Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Pardon" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "pardon", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
恩赦
おんしゃ (onsha)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
勘弁
かんべん (kanben)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "pardon" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 恩赦 and 勘弁.
In Japanese, 恩赦 (おんしゃ (onsha)) is typically associated with "pardon, amnesty" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 国家の最高権力者が、犯罪者の刑罰を免除したり軽減したりする行為を指します。.
On the other hand, 勘弁 (かんべん (kanben)) maps to "pardon, forgiveness, forbearance" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in the phrase 「勘弁してください」. A literal translation of "pardon" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "恩赦"
大統領が特定の受刑者に対し恩赦を与えた。
The president granted a pardon to certain prisoners.
Bilingual Context for "勘弁"
彼のわがままにはもう勘弁ならない。
I can no longer tolerate his selfishness.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "大統領が特定の受刑者に対し ＿＿＿ を与えた。" (Meaning: "The president granted a pardon to certain prisoners.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "恩赦" fits here because it means "pardon, amnesty" in the context of: "The president granted a pardon to certain prisoners.". "勘弁" represents "pardon, forgiveness, forbearance".