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
見限る
みかぎる (mikagiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "give" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 贈る and 見限る.
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, 見限る (みかぎる (mikagiru)) maps to "to give up on, to abandon, to despair of" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To decide that someone or something is hopeless, worthless, or beyond redemption, and to stop expecting anything positive from them. It often implies a final and decisive abandonment.. 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 "見限る"
何度も裏切られたため、ついに彼を見限ることにした。
Having been betrayed many times, I finally decided to give up on him.
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.". "見限る" represents "to give up on, to abandon, to despair of".