Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Spare" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "spare", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
寸暇
すんか (sunka)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
労を惜しまない
ろうをおしまない (rō o oshimanai)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "spare" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 寸暇 and 労を惜しまない.
In Japanese, 寸暇 (すんか (sunka)) is typically associated with "a spare moment, a brief interval of free time" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes a very short, precious moment of free time, often implying it's seized or made amidst a busy schedule..
On the other hand, 労を惜しまない (ろうをおしまない (rō o oshimanai)) maps to "to spare no effort; to not grudge hard work" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 骨折りや苦労をいとわない、どんな努力も厭わないという積極的な姿勢を表す慣用句です。目標達成や人の助けのために尽力する状況で使われます。. A literal translation of "spare" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "寸暇"
彼は寸暇を惜しんで勉強に励んだ。
He studied diligently, making the most of every spare moment.
Bilingual Context for "労を惜しまない"
彼は目標達成のためなら、どんな困難に対しても労を惜しまない。
He spares no effort for any difficulty if it's for achieving his goal.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ を惜しんで勉強に励んだ。" (Meaning: "He studied diligently, making the most of every spare moment.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "寸暇" fits here because it means "a spare moment, a brief interval of free time" in the context of: "He studied diligently, making the most of every spare moment.". "労を惜しまない" represents "to spare no effort; to not grudge hard work".