Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Mix" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "mix", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
混ざる
まざる (mazaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
取り混ぜる
とりまぜる (torimazeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "mix" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 混ざる and 取り混ぜる.
In Japanese, 混ざる (まざる (mazaru)) is typically associated with "to mix (intransitive), to be mixed" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents これは「何かが他のものと一緒になる、一つになる」という意味の自動詞です。化学物質や食べ物の材料、あるいは人々がグループに加わる際にも使われます。「何かを混ぜる」という他動詞は「混ぜる.
On the other hand, 取り混ぜる (とりまぜる (torimazeru)) maps to "to mix, to combine indiscriminately, to put together" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies mixing various kinds of things together, often without a particular order or selection, creating a diverse mixture.. A literal translation of "mix" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "混ざる"
このスープには色々な野菜が混ざっています。
Various vegetables are mixed in this soup.
Bilingual Context for "取り混ぜる"
いろいろな種類の豆を取り混ぜて炒める。
I roast various types of beans mixed together.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "このスープには色々な野菜が混ざっています。" (Meaning: "Various vegetables are mixed in this soup.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "混ざる" fits here because it means "to mix (intransitive), to be mixed" in the context of: "Various vegetables are mixed in this soup.". "取り混ぜる" represents "to mix, to combine indiscriminately, to put together".