Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Guess" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "guess", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
推測
すいそく (suisoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
察する
さっする (sassuru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "guess" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 推測 and 察する.
In Japanese, 推測 (すいそく (suisoku)) is typically associated with "guess, conjecture, inference, speculation" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 与えられた情報から、論理的に考えたり、経験に基づいて結論を導き出すことです。確実ではないが、ある程度の根拠があります。.
On the other hand, 察する (さっする (sassuru)) maps to "to guess, to sense, to infer, to perceive (someone's feelings/situation)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 相手の気持ちや状況を、言葉にしなくても推測して理解する、あるいは敏感に感じ取るという意味合いが強いです。多くの場合、思いやりや気遣いの気持ちを伴います。. A literal translation of "guess" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "推測"
彼の行動から、何か隠していると推測した。
From his actions, I inferred he was hiding something.
Bilingual Context for "察する"
彼女は何も言わなかったが、彼の悲しみを察した。
She didn't say anything, but she sensed his sadness.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の行動から、何か隠していると ＿＿＿ した。" (Meaning: "From his actions, I inferred he was hiding something.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "推測" fits here because it means "guess, conjecture, inference, speculation" in the context of: "From his actions, I inferred he was hiding something.". "察する" represents "to guess, to sense, to infer, to perceive (someone's feelings/situation)".