Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Report" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "report", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
報告書
ほうこくしょ (houkokusho)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
答申
とうしん (toushin)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "report" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 報告書 and 答申.
In Japanese, 報告書 (ほうこくしょ (houkokusho)) is typically associated with "report, written report, official report" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a formal, written document that presents information, findings, or analyses. Commonly used in business, academic, or governmental contexts..
On the other hand, 答申 (とうしん (toushin)) maps to "report / recommendation (from a council)" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "report" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "報告書"
会議のために、新しい報告書を作成しました。
I created a new report for the meeting.
Bilingual Context for "答申"
私は答申に興味があります。
I am interested in report / recommendation (from a council).
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議のために、新しい ＿＿＿ を作成しました。" (Meaning: "I created a new report for the meeting.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "報告書" fits here because it means "report, written report, official report" in the context of: "I created a new report for the meeting.". "答申" represents "report / recommendation (from a council)".