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
思い切る
おもいきる (omoikiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "give" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 施す and 思い切る.
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, 思い切る (おもいきる (omoikiru)) maps to "to give up; to abandon; to make a final decision; to make a clean break" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies making a bold decision to abandon something or to take a decisive action, often after much hesitation. Can also mean to give up entirely.. 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 "思い切る"
彼女は長年の夢を思い切って諦めた。
She bravely gave up her long-cherished dream.
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.". "思い切る" represents "to give up; to abandon; to make a final decision; to make a clean break".