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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Send" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "send", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

おくる

おくる (okuru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

寄越す

よこす (yokosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "send" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between おくる and 寄越す. In Japanese, おくる (おくる (okuru)) is typically associated with "to send, to see off" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Can mean 'to send. On the other hand, 寄越す (よこす (yokosu)) maps to "to send, to hand over, to give (to the speaker's location)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A transitive verb used when the speaker is the recipient. It means to send or give something/someone towards the speaker's location or for the speaker's benefit. It can sometimes carry a slightly blunt, informal, or imperative nuance compared to くれる or いただく.. A literal translation of "send" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "おくる"
友達に手紙を送りました。
I sent a letter to my friend.
Bilingual Context for "寄越す"
すぐに返事を寄越せ。
Send me a reply immediately.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "友達に手紙を送りました。" (Meaning: "I sent a letter to my friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "おくる" fits here because it means "to send, to see off" in the context of: "I sent a letter to my friend.". "寄越す" represents "to send, to hand over, to give (to the speaker's location)".