Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Reward" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "reward", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
労う
ねぎらう (negirau)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
報いる
むくいる (mukuiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "reward" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 労う and 報いる.
In Japanese, 労う (ねぎらう (negirau)) is typically associated with "to reward (for effort); to express gratitude for" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 相手の努力や苦労を認め、「感謝や慰労の気持ちを伝える」際に使われます。Used when acknowledging someone's efforts or hardships and 'expressing feelings of gratitude or appreciation'..
On the other hand, 報いる (むくいる (mukuiru)) maps to "to reward, to repay, to return (a favor), to retaliate" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used when returning kindness or showing gratitude, but can also imply returning hostility or taking revenge. Often seen in phrases like 恩に報いる. A literal translation of "reward" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "労う"
上司は部下の努力を労って、慰労会を開いた。
The boss praised his subordinates' efforts and held a party to express his appreciation.
Bilingual Context for "報いる"
彼は恩師の期待に報いるために努力した。
He worked hard to live up to his mentor's expectations.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "上司は部下の努力を労って、慰労会を開いた。" (Meaning: "The boss praised his subordinates' efforts and held a party to express his appreciation.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "労う" fits here because it means "to reward (for effort); to express gratitude for" in the context of: "The boss praised his subordinates' efforts and held a party to express his appreciation.". "報いる" represents "to reward, to repay, to return (a favor), to retaliate".