Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Support" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "support", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
支持
しじ (shiji)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
裏付ける
うらづける (uradukeru)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "support" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 支持 and 裏付ける.
In Japanese, 支持 (しじ (shiji)) is typically associated with "support, endorsement, backing" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A noun.
On the other hand, 裏付ける (うらづける (uradukeru)) maps to "to support, to substantiate" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "support" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "支持"
多くの人がその候補者を支持している。
Many people support that candidate.
Bilingual Context for "裏付ける"
毎日、日本語を練習するために裏付ける。
Every day, I support, to substantiate to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "多くの人がその候補者を ＿＿＿ している。" (Meaning: "Many people support that candidate.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "支持" fits here because it means "support, endorsement, backing" in the context of: "Many people support that candidate.". "裏付ける" represents "to support, to substantiate".