Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Legend" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "legend", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
凡例
はんれい (hanrei)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
三輪山伝説
みわやまでんせつ (miwayamadensetsu)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "legend" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 凡例 and 三輪山伝説.
In Japanese, 凡例 (はんれい (hanrei)) is typically associated with "legend (of a map, chart), explanatory notes, key (to symbols)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Used in maps, diagrams, charts, or books to provide explanations for symbols, abbreviations, or special terms used within. It is essential for understanding the content. / 地図、図表、専門書などで使用される記号や略語、特殊な用語の意味を説明するために設けられる部分を指す。内容を理解するために不可欠な項目。.
On the other hand, 三輪山伝説 (みわやまでんせつ (miwayamadensetsu)) maps to "legend of Mount Miwa" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "legend" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "凡例"
このグラフの凡例を見ると、各線の意味がわかる。
Looking at the legend of this graph, you can understand the meaning of each line.
Bilingual Context for "三輪山伝説"
私は三輪山伝説に興味があります。
I am interested in legend of Mount Miwa.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "このグラフの ＿＿＿ を見ると、各線の意味がわかる。" (Meaning: "Looking at the legend of this graph, you can understand the meaning of each line.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "凡例" fits here because it means "legend (of a map, chart), explanatory notes, key (to symbols)" in the context of: "Looking at the legend of this graph, you can understand the meaning of each line.". "三輪山伝説" represents "legend of Mount Miwa".