Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Send" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "send", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
差し戻す
さしもどす (sashimodosu)
N2 / 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 差し戻す and 寄越す.
In Japanese, 差し戻す (さしもどす (sashimodosu)) is typically associated with "to send back, to remit, to return (to a previous state/stage)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To send something.
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 "差し戻す"
部長は不備があったので、その書類を差し戻した。
The manager sent the document back because it had deficiencies.
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: "部長は不備があったので、その書類を差し戻した。" (Meaning: "The manager sent the document back because it had deficiencies.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "差し戻す" fits here because it means "to send back, to remit, to return (to a previous state/stage)" in the context of: "The manager sent the document back because it had deficiencies.". "寄越す" represents "to send, to hand over, to give (to the speaker's location)".