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
差し戻す
さしもどす (sashimodosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "send" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 送ります and 差し戻す.
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, 差し戻す (さしもどす (sashimodosu)) maps to "to send back, to remit, to return (to a previous state/stage)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To send something. 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 "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.
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.". "差し戻す" represents "to send back, to remit, to return (to a previous state/stage)".