Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Karma" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "karma", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
業
ごう (gou)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
宿業
しゅくごう (shukugou)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "karma" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 業 and 宿業.
In Japanese, 業 (ごう (gou)) is typically associated with "karma" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus..
On the other hand, 宿業 (しゅくごう (shukugou)) maps to "karma from a previous life" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "karma" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "業"
私は業に興味があります。
I am interested in karma.
Bilingual Context for "宿業"
私は宿業に興味があります。
I am interested in karma from a previous life.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は ＿＿＿ に興味があります。" (Meaning: "I am interested in karma.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "業" fits here because it means "karma" in the context of: "I am interested in karma.". "宿業" represents "karma from a previous life".