Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Mind" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "mind", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
構う
かまう (kamau)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
かまう
かまう (kamau)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "mind" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 構う and かまう.
In Japanese, 構う (かまう (kamau)) is typically associated with "to mind; to care about; to be concerned about; to interfere with" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Often used in negative sentences like 「構わない」.
On the other hand, かまう (かまう (kamau)) maps to "to mind; to care about; to be concerned about" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used in negative sentences like 「気にしない」「構わない」 meaning 'don't mind' or 'it doesn't matter'. Can also mean to pay attention to or interfere with someone/something.. A literal translation of "mind" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "構う"
彼女は人目を構わず、大声で笑った。
She laughed loudly without caring about what others thought.
Bilingual Context for "かまう"
遅れてもかまいません。
It doesn't matter if you're late. / I don't mind if you're late.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は人目を構わず、大声で笑った。" (Meaning: "She laughed loudly without caring about what others thought.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "構う" fits here because it means "to mind; to care about; to be concerned about; to interfere with" in the context of: "She laughed loudly without caring about what others thought.". "かまう" represents "to mind; to care about; to be concerned about".