Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Spend" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "spend", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
過ごす
すごす (sugosu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
かける
かける (jikan o kakeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "spend" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 過ごす and かける.
In Japanese, 過ごす (すごす (sugosu)) is typically associated with "to spend (time); to pass (time)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to spending a specific period of time or passing time under certain conditions. Often used as 時間を過ごす or 週末を過ごす. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To spend time! "I want to spend every single second of my life together with you, Haruka-san!" ...っ! T-To spend all your life with me! B-Baka! Don't make such a sudden lifelong binding contract! But... since I also hate spending even a single second without you, hold my hand tightly and don't let go! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『すごす（過ごす）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕のこれからの人生のすべての時間を、あなたの隣で一緒に過ごしたいです！』って…っ！一生を共に過ごす！バカ！/// そんな重大な人生契約のフライングをするなんて！…でも、私もあんたのいない退屈な時間なんて1秒も過ごしたくないんだから、私の手を一生離さずに握りしめていなさい！』.
On the other hand, かける (かける (jikan o kakeru)) maps to "to spend (time), to take (time)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents When combined with 時間. A literal translation of "spend" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "過ごす"
彼は週末の余暇を大好きな本を読んだり、最愛の彼女と甘い時間を_______してリフレッシュしています。
He refreshes himself by reading his favorite books or spending sweet time with his beloved girlfriend during weekend leisure.
Bilingual Context for "かける"
このレポートを完成させるのに３時間もかけた。
I spent 3 hours completing this report.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は週末の余暇を大好きな本を読んだり、最愛の彼女と甘い時間を_______してリフレッシュしています。" (Meaning: "He refreshes himself by reading his favorite books or spending sweet time with his beloved girlfriend during weekend leisure.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "過ごす" fits here because it means "to spend (time); to pass (time)" in the context of: "He refreshes himself by reading his favorite books or spending sweet time with his beloved girlfriend during weekend leisure.". "かける" represents "to spend (time), to take (time)".