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
譲る
ゆずる (yuzuru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "give" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 贈る and 譲る.
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, 譲る (ゆずる (yuzuru)) maps to "to give way, to hand over, to concede, to yield" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Implies giving 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 "譲る"
電車ではお年寄りに席を譲りましょう。
On the train, let's give up our seats to the elderly.
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.". "譲る" represents "to give way, to hand over, to concede, to yield".