Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Running" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "running", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
奔走
ほんそう (honsō)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
出奔
しゅっぽん (shuppon)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "running" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 奔走 and 出奔.
In Japanese, 奔走 (ほんそう (honsō)) is typically associated with "running about, bustling, efforts, striving" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to busy activity, often with the purpose of achieving a goal or helping someone. It implies actively working hard and moving around a lot..
On the other hand, 出奔 (しゅっぽん (shuppon)) maps to "running away (from home/duty), absconding, desertion" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Implies leaving home, family, or duty secretly or abandoning responsibilities. Often carries a negative or dramatic connotation.. A literal translation of "running" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "奔走"
彼は会議の成功のために奔走した。
He worked hard for the success of the conference.
Bilingual Context for "出奔"
彼はある日突然、家族と会社を捨てて出奔した。
One day, he suddenly abandoned his family and company and ran away.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は会議の成功のために ＿＿＿ した。" (Meaning: "He worked hard for the success of the conference.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "奔走" fits here because it means "running about, bustling, efforts, striving" in the context of: "He worked hard for the success of the conference.". "出奔" represents "running away (from home/duty), absconding, desertion".