Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Repayment" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "repayment", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
償還
しょうかん (shōkan)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
返済
へんさい (hensai)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "repayment" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 償還 and 返済.
In Japanese, 償還 (しょうかん (shōkan)) is typically associated with "repayment, redemption, reimbursement" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers specifically to the formal repayment of a debt, loan, or bond. Often used in financial or legal contexts..
On the other hand, 返済 (へんさい (hensai)) maps to "repayment (of a loan, debt, etc.)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Specifically refers to the act of paying back money that was borrowed, such as a loan or a debt. It is commonly used in financial and formal contexts.. A literal translation of "repayment" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "償還"
彼はローンの償還期限が迫っていることに気づいた。
He realized the repayment deadline for the loan was approaching.
Bilingual Context for "返済"
彼は銀行からの借金を毎月きちんと返済している。
He repays his loan from the bank properly every month.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はローンの ＿＿＿ 期限が迫っていることに気づいた。" (Meaning: "He realized the repayment deadline for the loan was approaching.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "償還" fits here because it means "repayment, redemption, reimbursement" in the context of: "He realized the repayment deadline for the loan was approaching.". "返済" represents "repayment (of a loan, debt, etc.)".