Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Keep" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "keep", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
飼う
かう (kau)
N4 / 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 飼う and 押し黙る.
In Japanese, 飼う (かう (kau)) is typically associated with "to keep (a pet), to raise (an animal)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used specifically for keeping or raising animals as pets or livestock. It implies providing care and sustenance. Not used for growing plants.
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 "飼う"
彼は犬を飼っています。
He keeps a dog (as a pet).
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: "彼は犬を飼っています。" (Meaning: "He keeps a dog (as a pet).")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "飼う" fits here because it means "to keep (a pet), to raise (an animal)" in the context of: "He keeps a dog (as a pet).". "押し黙る" represents "to keep silent, to fall silent, to shut up".