Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Influence" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "influence", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
影響
えいきょう (eikyō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
影響を与える
えいきょうをあたえる (eikyō wo ataeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "influence" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 影響 and 影響を与える.
In Japanese, 影響 (えいきょう (eikyō)) is typically associated with "influence; effect; impact" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the influence, effect, or impact one thing has on another. Often used with 影響を与える.
On the other hand, 影響を与える (えいきょうをあたえる (eikyō wo ataeru)) maps to "to influence, to affect" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents This phrase literally means 'to give influence.' The subject is typically the cause of the influence, and the object is the one receiving it. 「影響を受ける. A literal translation of "influence" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "影響"
親の行動は、子供の成長に大きな影響を与えます。
Parents' actions exert a major influence on children's growth.
Bilingual Context for "影響を与える"
彼の言葉は多くの人に大きな影響を与えた。
His words greatly influenced many people.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "親の行動は、子供の成長に大きな ＿＿＿ を与えます。" (Meaning: "Parents' actions exert a major influence on children's growth.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "影響" fits here because it means "influence; effect; impact" in the context of: "Parents' actions exert a major influence on children's growth.". "影響を与える" represents "to influence, to affect".