Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Report" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "report", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
報告
ほうこく (houkoku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
具申
ぐしん (gushin)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "report" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 報告 and 具申.
In Japanese, 報告 (ほうこく (houkoku)) is typically associated with "report, to report" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Noun, often used with する.
On the other hand, 具申 (ぐしん (gushin)) maps to "report (in detail to a superior), submit a detailed report/proposal" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 目上の人に対して、具体的な事実や意見、計画などを詳しく述べること。単なる報告ではなく、多くの場合、何らかの提案や進言を伴います。ビジネスシーンでよく使われます。. A literal translation of "report" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "報告"
会議の結果を報告します。
I will report the results of the meeting.
Bilingual Context for "具申"
彼は新しい企画を上司に具申した。
He submitted a detailed proposal for the new project to his superior.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議の結果を ＿＿＿ します。" (Meaning: "I will report the results of the meeting.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "報告" fits here because it means "report, to report" in the context of: "I will report the results of the meeting.". "具申" represents "report (in detail to a superior), submit a detailed report/proposal".