Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Suffer" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "suffer", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
蒙る
こうむる (kōmuru)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
頓挫する
とんざする (tonza suru)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "suffer" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 蒙る and 頓挫する.
In Japanese, 蒙る (こうむる (kōmuru)) is typically associated with "to suffer (e.g., damage, loss); to incur; to receive (e.g., kindness, benefit) (often used for negative things, but can be positive with honorific nuance)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents A formal and somewhat archaic verb. It often implies 'to suffer' or 'to incur' something negative.
On the other hand, 頓挫する (とんざする (tonza suru)) maps to "to suffer a setback, to break down, to fall through, to be frustrated" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Indicates that a plan, project, or effort has suddenly stopped or failed, often unexpectedly, due to some obstacle or difficulty.. A literal translation of "suffer" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "蒙る"
不測の事態により、多大な損害を蒙ることになった。
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we ended up suffering extensive damage.
Bilingual Context for "頓挫する"
資金不足のため、プロジェクトは頓挫してしまった。
Due to lack of funds, the project suffered a setback and failed.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "不測の事態により、多大な損害を ＿＿＿ ことになった。" (Meaning: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we ended up suffering extensive damage.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "蒙る" fits here because it means "to suffer (e.g., damage, loss); to incur; to receive (e.g., kindness, benefit) (often used for negative things, but can be positive with honorific nuance)" in the context of: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we ended up suffering extensive damage.". "頓挫する" represents "to suffer a setback, to break down, to fall through, to be frustrated".