Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Report" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "report", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
報告する
ほうこくする (houkoku suru)
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 報告する and 具申.
In Japanese, 報告する (ほうこくする (houkoku suru)) is typically associated with "to report, to inform" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 結果や状況、事実などを伝えるときに使う言葉です。特に仕事や学校などで、目上の人に伝える場合によく使われます。.
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 "報告する"
会議でプロジェクトの進捗を報告する。
I will report the progress of the project at 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: "会議でプロジェクトの進捗を ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I will report the progress of the project at the meeting.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "報告する" fits here because it means "to report, to inform" in the context of: "I will report the progress of the project at the meeting.". "具申" represents "report (in detail to a superior), submit a detailed report/proposal".