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
読む
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 読む.
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, 読む (よむ (yomu)) maps to "to read" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used for written materials. Polite form is 読みます. 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 "読む"
本を読みます。
I read a book.
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.". "読む" represents "to read".