Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Leave" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "leave", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
残す
のこす (nokosu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
出る
でる (deru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "leave" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 残す and 出る.
In Japanese, 残す (のこす (nokosu)) is typically associated with "to leave (behind), to save (money), to leave (a will)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Transitive verb. To leave something.
On the other hand, 出る (でる (deru)) maps to "to leave, to exit, to come out" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Intransitive verb for leaving a place, coming out, appearing. Often used with the particle 「を」. A literal translation of "leave" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "残す"
ご飯を少しだけ残してしまった。
I left just a little rice (on my plate).
Bilingual Context for "出る"
毎日朝7時に家を出ます。
I leave home at 7 AM every day.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "ご飯を少しだけ残してしまった。" (Meaning: "I left just a little rice (on my plate).")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "残す" fits here because it means "to leave (behind), to save (money), to leave (a will)" in the context of: "I left just a little rice (on my plate).". "出る" represents "to leave, to exit, to come out".