Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Notice" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "notice", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
知らせ
しらせ (shirase)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
気がつく
きがつく (kiga tsuku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "notice" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 知らせ and 気がつく.
In Japanese, 知らせ (しらせ (shirase)) is typically associated with "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.
On the other hand, 気がつく (きがつく (kiga tsuku)) maps to "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。. A literal translation of "notice" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "入学試験の合否の ＿＿＿ が届きました。" (Meaning: "The notice of the entrance exam results arrived.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "知らせ" fits here because it means "notice, announcement, information" in the context of: "The notice of the entrance exam results arrived.". "気がつく" represents "to notice, to realize, to become aware of".