Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Ridicule" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "ridicule", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
愚弄
ぐろう (guron)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
揶揄する
やゆする (yayusuru)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "ridicule" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 愚弄 and 揶揄する.
In Japanese, 愚弄 (ぐろう (guron)) is typically associated with "ridicule, mockery, making a fool of" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to making fun of someone or something in a disrespectful or scornful way, often to humiliate them. 誰かや何かを軽蔑的または嘲笑的な方法でからかい、しばしば彼らを侮辱することを指します。.
On the other hand, 揶揄する (やゆする (yayusuru)) maps to "ridicule, mock" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "ridicule" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "愚弄"
彼は人前で友人から愚弄された。
He was ridiculed by his friend in front of others.
Bilingual Context for "揶揄する"
私は揶揄するに興味があります。
I am interested in ridicule, mock.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は人前で友人から ＿＿＿ された。" (Meaning: "He was ridiculed by his friend in front of others.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "愚弄" fits here because it means "ridicule, mockery, making a fool of" in the context of: "He was ridiculed by his friend in front of others.". "揶揄する" represents "ridicule, mock".