Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Spur" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "spur", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
拍車をかける
はくしゃをかける (hakusha o kakeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
拍車
はくしゃ (hakusha)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "spur" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 拍車をかける and 拍車.
In Japanese, 拍車をかける (はくしゃをかける (hakusha o kakeru)) is typically associated with "to spur on; to encourage; to accelerate" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 馬に拍車をかけて速度を上げるように、物事の進行を早めたり、努力を促したりする比喩表現です。.
On the other hand, 拍車 (はくしゃ (hakusha)) maps to "spur; impetus; incitement" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 主に「拍車をかける」の形で使われ、物事をより速く進めたり、活発にさせたりする要因や行動を指します。. A literal translation of "spur" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "拍車をかける"
新しいプロジェクトの成功に向けて、さらに拍車をかける必要がある。
It's necessary to further spur on efforts for the success of the new project.
Bilingual Context for "拍車"
政府は経済回復に拍車をかける政策を発表した。
The government announced policies to spur economic recovery.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "新しいプロジェクトの成功に向けて、さらに ＿＿＿ 必要がある。" (Meaning: "It's necessary to further spur on efforts for the success of the new project.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "拍車をかける" fits here because it means "to spur on; to encourage; to accelerate" in the context of: "It's necessary to further spur on efforts for the success of the new project.". "拍車" represents "spur; impetus; incitement".