Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Send" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "send", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
送る
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 送る and 寄越す.
In Japanese, 送る (おくる (okuru)) is typically associated with "to send (a thing); to see off (a person)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb. Can be used for sending objects.
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 "送る"
友達を駅まで送ります。
I will see my friend off at the station.
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: "友達を駅まで送ります。" (Meaning: "I will see my friend off at the station.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "送る" fits here because it means "to send (a thing); to see off (a person)" in the context of: "I will see my friend off at the station.". "寄越す" represents "to send, to hand over, to give (to the speaker's location)".