Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Keep" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "keep", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
預かる
あずかる (azukaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
押し黙る
おしだまる (oshidamaru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "keep" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 預かる and 押し黙る.
In Japanese, 預かる (あずかる (azukaru)) is typically associated with "to keep; to take care of; to receive on deposit; to be entrusted with" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to receiving objects, money, or responsibilities from someone and keeping or looking after them. Intransitive-like transitive verb. Opposing word: 預ける. Often used as お荷物をお預かりします or 鍵を預かる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To take care of! "Haruka-san, please take care of my house keys and my life!" ...っ! M-My house keys! B-Baka! Don't make such domestic declarations! But... since I am holding your keys, I suppose I'll have to wait at home to welcome you back every single day! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『あずかる（預かる）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕の部屋の鍵と、これからの人生を丸ごと預かって、僕の専属の奥様になってください！』って…っ！部屋の鍵と人生の預かり！バカ！/// そんなプロポーズみたいなこと！…でも、預かったからには、毎日あんたが「ただいま」って帰ってくるのを、世界一可愛いエプロン姿で待っていてあげるから、覚悟しなさい！』.
On the other hand, 押し黙る (おしだまる (oshidamaru)) maps to "to keep silent, to fall silent, to shut up" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 強制的に、あるいは意図的に口を閉ざし、何も言わない状態を表す。しばしば不満や怒り、悲しみなどの感情が伴う場合に使われる。. A literal translation of "keep" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "預かる"
ホテルの優秀なスタッフは、チェックイン前の客の重い手荷物をフロントで快く_______。
The excellent hotel staff cheerfully took care of the heavy hand luggage of the guests before check-in at the front desk.
Bilingual Context for "押し黙る"
彼は社長の理不尽な要求に、何も言えず押し黙った。
He fell silent, unable to say anything about the president's unreasonable demands.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "ホテルの優秀なスタッフは、チェックイン前の客の重い手荷物をフロントで快く_______。" (Meaning: "The excellent hotel staff cheerfully took care of the heavy hand luggage of the guests before check-in at the front desk.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "預かる" fits here because it means "to keep; to take care of; to receive on deposit; to be entrusted with" in the context of: "The excellent hotel staff cheerfully took care of the heavy hand luggage of the guests before check-in at the front desk.". "押し黙る" represents "to keep silent, to fall silent, to shut up".