Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Performance" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "performance", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
履行
りこう (rikō)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
パフォーマンス
パフォーマンス (pafo-mansu)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "performance" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 履行 and パフォーマンス.
In Japanese, 履行 (りこう (rikō)) is typically associated with "performance, fulfillment (of a contract, duty, obligation)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents The act of carrying out or fulfilling a promise, contract, or duty, often with a sense of legal or formal obligation. 約束、契約、義務などを実行し、果たすこと。.
On the other hand, パフォーマンス (パフォーマンス (pafo-mansu)) maps to "performance" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "performance" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "履行"
契約期間内に義務を履行しなければならない。
One must fulfill their obligations within the contract period.
Bilingual Context for "パフォーマンス"
私はパフォーマンスに興味があります。
I am interested in performance.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "契約期間内に義務を ＿＿＿ しなければならない。" (Meaning: "One must fulfill their obligations within the contract period.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "履行" fits here because it means "performance, fulfillment (of a contract, duty, obligation)" in the context of: "One must fulfill their obligations within the contract period.". "パフォーマンス" represents "performance".