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
気付く
きづく (kizuku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "notice" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 知らせ and 気付く.
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, 気付く (きづく (kizuku)) maps to "to notice, to realize, to become aware" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 隠れた事実や変化に意識が向くこと。「〜に気づく」の形で使うことが多い。. 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 "気付く"
電車の中で財布をなくしたことに、後で気付いた。
I realized later that I had lost my wallet on the train.
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.". "気付く" represents "to notice, to realize, to become aware".