Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Offer" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "offer", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
奉る
たてまつる (tatematsuru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
たてまつる
たてまつる (tatematsuru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "offer" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 奉る and たてまつる.
In Japanese, 奉る (たてまつる (tatematsuru)) is typically associated with "to offer, to present (to a superior); to worship" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A highly formal and humble verb.
On the other hand, たてまつる (たてまつる (tatematsuru)) maps to "to offer, to present (to a superior), to serve (a superior), to offer respectfully (humble verb)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A classical Japanese humble verb used to show extreme respect when offering something to a superior, serving a superior, or sometimes to refer to performing an action for a superior. Has a formal and somewhat archaic feel.. A literal translation of "offer" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "奉る"
神社に五穀豊穣を祈り、供物を奉った。
I offered food to the shrine, praying for a bountiful harvest.
Bilingual Context for "たてまつる"
神に供物をたてまつる。
To offer sacrifices to the gods.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "神社に五穀豊穣を祈り、供物を奉った。" (Meaning: "I offered food to the shrine, praying for a bountiful harvest.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "奉る" fits here because it means "to offer, to present (to a superior); to worship" in the context of: "I offered food to the shrine, praying for a bountiful harvest.". "たてまつる" represents "to offer, to present (to a superior), to serve (a superior), to offer respectfully (humble verb)".