Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Notice" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "notice", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
気が付く
きがつく (kigatsuku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
知らせ
しらせ (shirase)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "notice" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 気が付く and 知らせ.
In Japanese, 気が付く (きがつく (kigatsuku)) is typically associated with "to notice, to realize, to become aware of" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Often used when something suddenly becomes apparent or one becomes conscious of something. 「〜に気が付く」の形で使われることが多いです。.
On the other hand, 知らせ (しらせ (shirase)) maps to "notice, announcement, information" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to information or news that is conveyed to someone, often formally or in writing. Derived from the verb 知らせる. A literal translation of "notice" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "気が付く"
電車の中で、財布がないことに気が付いた。
I realized I didn't have my wallet on the train.
Bilingual Context for "知らせ"
入学試験の合否の知らせが届きました。
The notice of the entrance exam results arrived.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "電車の中で、財布がないことに気が付いた。" (Meaning: "I realized I didn't have my wallet on the train.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "気が付く" fits here because it means "to notice, to realize, to become aware of" in the context of: "I realized I didn't have my wallet on the train.". "知らせ" represents "notice, announcement, information".