Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Mend" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "mend", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
取り繕う
とりつくろう (toritsukurou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
繕う
つくろう (tsukurou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "mend" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 取り繕う and 繕う.
In Japanese, 取り繕う (とりつくろう (toritsukurou)) is typically associated with "to mend, to repair, to smooth over, to gloss over, to make excuses" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in the sense of making something appear better than it is, covering up a mistake or flaw, or making excuses..
On the other hand, 繕う (つくろう (tsukurou)) maps to "to mend, to repair, to patch up; to smooth over, to keep up appearances" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can refer to physical repair. A literal translation of "mend" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "取り繕う"
失敗を取り繕うために嘘をつくのは良くない。
It's not good to lie to cover up a mistake.
Bilingual Context for "繕う"
破れたシャツを丁寧に繕った。
I carefully mended the torn shirt.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "失敗を ＿＿＿ ために嘘をつくのは良くない。" (Meaning: "It's not good to lie to cover up a mistake.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "取り繕う" fits here because it means "to mend, to repair, to smooth over, to gloss over, to make excuses" in the context of: "It's not good to lie to cover up a mistake.". "繕う" represents "to mend, to repair, to patch up; to smooth over, to keep up appearances".