Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Satisfaction" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "satisfaction", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
本望
ほんもう (honmō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
会心
かいしん (kaishin)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "satisfaction" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 本望 and 会心.
In Japanese, 本望 (ほんもう (honmō)) is typically associated with "satisfaction; heart's desire; lifelong hope; complete fulfillment" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to complete satisfaction, one's heart's desire, or lifelong hope being perfectly fulfilled, leaving absolutely no regrets. Often used as 〜なら本望だ.
On the other hand, 会心 (かいしん (kaishin)) maps to "satisfaction; gratification; one's heart's desire" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Usually used in the form '会心の出来'. A literal translation of "satisfaction" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "本望"
自分が犠牲になっても愛する人を救えるなら、彼はそれで_______だと微笑みました。
Smiling, he said that if he could save his beloved even by sacrificing himself, he would be completely satisfied with that.
Bilingual Context for "会心"
彼は会心の笑みを浮かべた。
He wore a smile of deep satisfaction.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "自分が犠牲になっても愛する人を救えるなら、彼はそれで_______だと微笑みました。" (Meaning: "Smiling, he said that if he could save his beloved even by sacrificing himself, he would be completely satisfied with that.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "本望" fits here because it means "satisfaction; heart's desire; lifelong hope; complete fulfillment" in the context of: "Smiling, he said that if he could save his beloved even by sacrificing himself, he would be completely satisfied with that.". "会心" represents "satisfaction; gratification; one's heart's desire".