Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Notice" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "notice", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
気がつく
きがつく (kiga tsuku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
掲示
けいじ (keiji)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "notice" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 気がつく and 掲示.
In Japanese, 気がつく (きがつく (kiga tsuku)) is typically associated with "to notice, to realize, to become aware of" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 無意識のうちに、あるいは偶然に何かを発見したり、認識したりする時に使います。.
On the other hand, 掲示 (けいじ (keiji)) maps to "notice, bulletin, posting; to post, put up a notice" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can refer to the act of posting a notice or the notice itself. Often used for public announcements in designated areas. A literal translation of "notice" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "気がつく"
電車を降りるとき、財布がないことに気がついた。
When I got off the train, I realized I didn't have my wallet.
Bilingual Context for "掲示"
廊下に試験の合格者リストが掲示されている。
The list of successful exam candidates is posted in the hallway.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "電車を降りるとき、財布がないことに気がついた。" (Meaning: "When I got off the train, I realized I didn't have my wallet.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "気がつく" fits here because it means "to notice, to realize, to become aware of" in the context of: "When I got off the train, I realized I didn't have my wallet.". "掲示" represents "notice, bulletin, posting; to post, put up a notice".