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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Introduction" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "introduction", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

紹介

しょうかい (shōkai)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

導入

どうにゅう (dōnyū)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "introduction" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 紹介 and 導入. In Japanese, 紹介 (しょうかい (shōkai)) is typically associated with "introduction" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents The act of introducing someone or something. Often used with する. On the other hand, 導入 (どうにゅう (dōnyū)) maps to "introduction (of something new), installation, implementation" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used when starting to use or bring in something new. A literal translation of "introduction" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "紹介"
新しい友達を家族に紹介しました。
I introduced my new friend to my family.
Bilingual Context for "導入"
その会社は新しいシステムを導入した。
That company introduced a new system.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "新しい友達を家族に ___ しました。" (Meaning: "I introduced my new friend to my family.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "紹介" fits here because it means "introduction" in the context of: "I introduced my new friend to my family.". "導入" represents "introduction (of something new), installation, implementation".

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