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
施す
ほどこす (hodokosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "give" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 贈る and 施す.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "施す" represents "to give; to donate; to apply; to perform (treatment)".