Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Give" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "give", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
諦める
あきらめる (akirameru)
N4 / 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 諦める and さじを投げる.
In Japanese, 諦める (あきらめる (akirameru)) is typically associated with "to give up" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 努力を続けたり、何かを達成しようとすることをやめる際に使われます。.
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 "諦める"
どんなに難しくても、夢を諦めてはいけません。
No matter how difficult it is, you shouldn't give up on your dream.
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: "どんなに難しくても、夢を諦めてはいけません。" (Meaning: "No matter how difficult it is, you shouldn't give up on your dream.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "諦める" fits here because it means "to give up" in the context of: "No matter how difficult it is, you shouldn't give up on your dream.". "さじを投げる" represents "to give up, to throw in the towel, to abandon (a difficult task/person)".