Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Metaphor" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "metaphor", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
比喩
ひゆ (hiyu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
メタファー
メタファー (metafa-)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "metaphor" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 比喩 and メタファー.
In Japanese, 比喩 (ひゆ (hiyu)) is typically associated with "metaphor; simile; figure of speech" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A figure of speech that compares two unlike things, often to make a description more vivid or emphasize a point..
On the other hand, メタファー (メタファー (metafa-)) maps to "metaphor" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "metaphor" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "比喩"
彼女の笑顔は太陽のようだという比喩表現はよく使われる。
The simile that her smile is like the sun is often used.
Bilingual Context for "メタファー"
私はメタファーに興味があります。
I am interested in metaphor.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女の笑顔は太陽のようだという ＿＿＿ 表現はよく使われる。" (Meaning: "The simile that her smile is like the sun is often used.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "比喩" fits here because it means "metaphor; simile; figure of speech" in the context of: "The simile that her smile is like the sun is often used.". "メタファー" represents "metaphor".