Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Public" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "public", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
公表
こうひょう (kōhyō)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
公示
こうじ (kouji)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "public" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 公表 and 公示.
In Japanese, 公表 (こうひょう (kōhyō)) is typically associated with "public announcement, official announcement" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To make something known to the general public, often official news, data, or results, usually through media or press releases. 「公表する」.
On the other hand, 公示 (こうじ (kouji)) maps to "public announcement, public notice" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A formal or official announcement made to the public, often legally binding or concerning public matters.. A literal translation of "public" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "公表"
政府は新しい経済政策を公表した。
The government publicly announced a new economic policy.
Bilingual Context for "公示"
新しい法律が公示された。
The new law was publicly announced.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "政府は新しい経済政策を ＿＿＿ した。" (Meaning: "The government publicly announced a new economic policy.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "公表" fits here because it means "public announcement, official announcement" in the context of: "The government publicly announced a new economic policy.". "公示" represents "public announcement, public notice".