Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hate" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hate", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
嫌う
きらう (kirau)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
憎む
にくむ (nikumu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hate" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 嫌う and 憎む.
In Japanese, 嫌う (きらう (kirau)) is typically associated with "hate; dislike; detest; avoid (as bad option); repel" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to hating, disliking, detesting someone or something, or avoiding it as a bad/taboo option. Often used as 嫌われる.
On the other hand, 憎む (にくむ (nikumu)) maps to "to hate, to detest" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 他動詞。Expresses strong negative feelings towards someone or something, often deeper and more intense than 嫌う. A literal translation of "hate" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "嫌う"
彼は団体行動を_______、いつも一人で旅に出かけることを好んでいました。
He disliked group actions and always preferred to go on trips alone.
Bilingual Context for "憎む"
彼は不公平な扱いを憎んだ。
He hated the unfair treatment.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は団体行動を_______、いつも一人で旅に出かけることを好んでいました。" (Meaning: "He disliked group actions and always preferred to go on trips alone.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "嫌う" fits here because it means "hate; dislike; detest; avoid (as bad option); repel" in the context of: "He disliked group actions and always preferred to go on trips alone.". "憎む" represents "to hate, to detest".