Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Give" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "give", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
贈る
おくる (okuru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
与える
あたえる (ataeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "give" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 贈る and 与える.
In Japanese, 贈る (おくる (okuru)) is typically associated with "to give (as a gift), to send (a gift), to present" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Specifically refers to giving gifts, presents, or awards, often with a sense of formality or commemoration. Distinct from just handing something over.
On the other hand, 与える (あたえる (ataeru)) maps to "to give; to grant; to cause; to impact" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to giving/granting opportunities, awards, causing impacts. A literal translation of "give" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "贈る"
友人の誕生日に本を贈った。
I gave a book to my friend for their birthday.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "友人の誕生日に本を贈った。" (Meaning: "I gave a book to my friend for their birthday.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "贈る" fits here because it means "to give (as a gift), to send (a gift), to present" in the context of: "I gave a book to my friend for their birthday.". "与える" represents "to give; to grant; to cause; to impact".