Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Giving" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "giving", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
見切り
みきり (mikiri)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
断念
だんねん (dannen)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "giving" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 見切り and 断念.
In Japanese, 見切り (みきり (mikiri)) is typically associated with "giving up on (something), abandoning; cutting losses; clearance sale" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Has two main uses: 1. Giving up on something or someone after deciding there's no hope or benefit.
On the other hand, 断念 (だんねん (dannen)) maps to "giving up (a plan, hope, etc.); abandonment; renunciation" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used when giving up on something significant like a plan, dream, or hope, after having put effort into it or having a strong desire for it. It implies a sense of letting go, often with some difficulty or regret. More formal than 'あきらめる'. A literal translation of "giving" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "見切り"
もうこれ以上続けても無駄だと判断し、彼はその事業に見切りをつけた。
Deciding it was useless to continue any further, he cut his losses on that business.
Bilingual Context for "断念"
資金不足のため、海外留学を断念せざるを得なかった。
Due to lack of funds, I had no choice but to give up on studying abroad.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "もうこれ以上続けても無駄だと判断し、彼はその事業に ＿＿＿ をつけた。" (Meaning: "Deciding it was useless to continue any further, he cut his losses on that business.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "見切り" fits here because it means "giving up on (something), abandoning; cutting losses; clearance sale" in the context of: "Deciding it was useless to continue any further, he cut his losses on that business.". "断念" represents "giving up (a plan, hope, etc.); abandonment; renunciation".