Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Salary" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "salary", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
給料
きゅうりょう (kyuuryou)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
減俸
げんぽう (genpō)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "salary" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 給料 and 減俸.
In Japanese, 給料 (きゅうりょう (kyuuryou)) is typically associated with "salary; pay" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to the money received for work. Often used in discussions about work and finances..
On the other hand, 減俸 (げんぽう (genpō)) maps to "salary reduction; pay cut" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents This term refers to a reduction in one's salary or remuneration. It is often used in formal contexts such as news reports, business discussions, or official announcements regarding financial penalties or company performance issues.. A literal translation of "salary" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "給料"
今月の給料は少なかったです。
My salary this month was small.
Bilingual Context for "減俸"
会社の業績悪化により、社長の減俸が決まった。
Due to the company's poor performance, the president's salary reduction was decided.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "今月の ＿＿＿ は少なかったです。" (Meaning: "My salary this month was small.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "給料" fits here because it means "salary; pay" in the context of: "My salary this month was small.". "減俸" represents "salary reduction; pay cut".