Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Leak" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "leak", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
漏らす
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 漏らす and 漏れる.
In Japanese, 漏らす (もらす (morasu)) is typically associated with "to leak, to divulge, to let out (a sound/sigh), to omit" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can refer to a physical leak.
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 "漏らす"
彼は会議の内容をうっかり漏らしてしまった。
He accidentally leaked the contents of the meeting.
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: "彼は会議の内容をうっかり漏らしてしまった。" (Meaning: "He accidentally leaked the contents of the meeting.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "漏らす" fits here because it means "to leak, to divulge, to let out (a sound/sigh), to omit" in the context of: "He accidentally leaked the contents of the meeting.". "漏れる" represents "to leak; to escape; to be omitted".