Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Give" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "give", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
施す
ほどこす (hodokosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
さじを投げる
さじをなげる (saji o nageru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "give" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 施す and さじを投げる.
In Japanese, 施す (ほどこす (hodokosu)) is typically associated with "to give; to donate; to apply; to perform (treatment)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often implies giving charity, performing treatment, or applying something.
On the other hand, さじを投げる (さじをなげる (saji o nageru)) maps to "to give up, to throw in the towel, to abandon (a difficult task/person)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Idiomatic expression. Implies giving up due to difficulty or hopelessness, often after trying for a while. It can be used for a task, a problem, or even a person. A literal translation of "give" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "さじを投げる"
何度教えても理解しないので、先生もついにさじを投げた。
Even the teacher finally gave up because no matter how many times he taught, the student wouldn't understand.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "被災者に食料と医薬品を施した。" (Meaning: "They provided food and medicine to the disaster victims.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "施す" fits here because it means "to give; to donate; to apply; to perform (treatment)" in the context of: "They provided food and medicine to the disaster victims.". "さじを投げる" represents "to give up, to throw in the towel, to abandon (a difficult task/person)".