Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Nursing" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "nursing", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
看護
かんご (kango)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
看病
かんびょう (kanbyō)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "nursing" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 看護 and 看病.
In Japanese, 看護 (かんご (kango)) is typically associated with "nursing, care (of the sick)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the care of sick or injured people, often by a nurse.
On the other hand, 看病 (かんびょう (kanbyō)) maps to "nursing (a patient), caregiving for the sick" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Specifically refers to taking care of someone who is ill or injured. It implies providing medical and emotional support.. A literal translation of "nursing" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "看護"
病気の祖母を看護する。
To nurse my sick grandmother.
Bilingual Context for "看病"
彼女は病気の母親を毎日看病している。
She is nursing her sick mother every day.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "病気の祖母を ＿＿＿ する。" (Meaning: "To nurse my sick grandmother.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "看護" fits here because it means "nursing, care (of the sick)" in the context of: "To nurse my sick grandmother.". "看病" represents "nursing (a patient), caregiving for the sick".