Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Suffering" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "suffering", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
苦悩
くのう (kunou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
愛別離苦
あいべつりく (aibetsuriku)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "suffering" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 苦悩 and 愛別離苦.
In Japanese, 苦悩 (くのう (kunou)) is typically associated with "suffering, distress, anguish" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes deep mental or emotional pain, often related to difficult situations, moral dilemmas, or persistent problems. 困難な状況、道徳的なジレンマ、または根深い問題に関連する、深い精神的または感情的な苦痛を説明します。.
On the other hand, 愛別離苦 (あいべつりく (aibetsuriku)) maps to "suffering of separation from loved ones" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "suffering" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "苦悩"
彼の顔には深い苦悩の表情が浮かんでいた。
A look of deep anguish was etched on his face.
Bilingual Context for "愛別離苦"
私は愛別離苦に興味があります。
I am interested in suffering of separation from loved ones.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の顔には深い ＿＿＿ の表情が浮かんでいた。" (Meaning: "A look of deep anguish was etched on his face.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "苦悩" fits here because it means "suffering, distress, anguish" in the context of: "A look of deep anguish was etched on his face.". "愛別離苦" represents "suffering of separation from loved ones".