Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Give" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "give", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
与える
あたえる (ataeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
施す
ほどこす (hodokosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "give" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 与える and 施す.
In Japanese, 与える (あたえる (ataeru)) is typically associated with "to give; to grant; to cause; to impact" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to giving/granting opportunities, awards, causing impacts.
On the other hand, 施す (ほどこす (hodokosu)) maps to "to give; to donate; to apply; to perform (treatment)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often implies giving charity, performing treatment, or applying something. A literal translation of "give" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "与える"
彼の卓越した技術的リーダーシップは、若手のエンジニアたちに多大な好影響を_______、チームの士気を高めました。
His outstanding technical leadership gave a great positive impact to the young engineers and raised the morale of the team.
Bilingual Context for "施す"
被災者に食料と医薬品を施した。
They provided food and medicine to the disaster victims.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の卓越した技術的リーダーシップは、若手のエンジニアたちに多大な好影響を_______、チームの士気を高めました。" (Meaning: "His outstanding technical leadership gave a great positive impact to the young engineers and raised the morale of the team.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "与える" fits here because it means "to give; to grant; to cause; to impact" in the context of: "His outstanding technical leadership gave a great positive impact to the young engineers and raised the morale of the team.". "施す" represents "to give; to donate; to apply; to perform (treatment)".