Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Send" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "send", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
送ります
おくります (okurimasu)
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 送ります and 寄越す.
In Japanese, 送ります (おくります (okurimasu)) is typically associated with "to send, to escort" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite form of 送る.
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 "送ります"
友達にメールを送ります。
I send an email 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: "友達にメールを ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I send an email to my friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "送ります" fits here because it means "to send, to escort" in the context of: "I send an email to my friend.". "寄越す" represents "to send, to hand over, to give (to the speaker's location)".