Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Read" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "read", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
読みます
よみます (yomimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
よむ
よむ (yomu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "read" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 読みます and よむ.
In Japanese, 読みます (よみます (yomimasu)) is typically associated with "to read (polite form)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite form of 読む.
On the other hand, よむ (よむ (yomu)) maps to "to read" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb. Used for reading books, newspapers, letters, etc. The kanji is 読む.. A literal translation of "read" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "読みます"
本を読みます。
I read books.
Bilingual Context for "よむ"
本をよみます。
I read books.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "本を ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I read books.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "読みます" fits here because it means "to read (polite form)" in the context of: "I read books.". "よむ" represents "to read".