Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Mix" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "mix", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
混ぜる
まぜる (mazeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
混ざる
まざる (mazaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "mix" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 混ぜる and 混ざる.
In Japanese, 混ぜる (まぜる (mazeru)) is typically associated with "to mix, to stir" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used for combining ingredients or elements..
On the other hand, 混ざる (まざる (mazaru)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "mix" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "混ぜる"
サラダのドレッシングを混ぜてください。
Please mix the salad dressing.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "サラダのドレッシングを混ぜてください。" (Meaning: "Please mix the salad dressing.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "混ぜる" fits here because it means "to mix, to stir" in the context of: "Please mix the salad dressing.". "混ざる" represents "to mix (intransitive), to be mixed".