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
推し量る
おしはかる (oshihakaru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "guess" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 推測 and 推し量る.
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, 推し量る (おしはかる (oshihakaru)) maps to "to guess, to surmise, to conjecture, to infer" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies trying to infer or guess someone's feelings, intentions, or circumstances, often based on subtle clues or one's own experience, rather than direct information. It suggests a degree of empathy or careful consideration.. 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 "推し量る"
彼の心中を推し量ることは難しい。
It's difficult to infer what's in his heart.
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.". "推し量る" represents "to guess, to surmise, to conjecture, to infer".