Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Leak" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "leak", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
もらす
もらす (morasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
漏れる
もれる (moreru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "leak" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between もらす and 漏れる.
In Japanese, もらす (もらす (morasu)) is typically associated with "to leak; to let escape; to omit; to divulge (information)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can refer to physical leakage.
On the other hand, 漏れる (もれる (moreru)) maps to "to leak; to escape; to be omitted" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used for liquids or gas escaping, or for information/details being omitted or unintentionally revealed. It's an intransitive verb.. A literal translation of "leak" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "もらす"
彼はうっかり秘密をもらしてしまった。
He accidentally let slip the secret.
Bilingual Context for "漏れる"
水道管から水が漏れている。
Water is leaking from the water pipe.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はうっかり秘密をもらしてしまった。" (Meaning: "He accidentally let slip the secret.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "もらす" fits here because it means "to leak; to let escape; to omit; to divulge (information)" in the context of: "He accidentally let slip the secret.". "漏れる" represents "to leak; to escape; to be omitted".