Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Taking" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "taking", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
便乗
びんじょう (binjō)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
勘案
かんあん (kannann)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "taking" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 便乗 and 勘案.
In Japanese, 便乗 (びんじょう (binjō)) is typically associated with "taking advantage (of a situation), jumping on the bandwagon" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to taking advantage of an opportunity or a trend created by others for one's own benefit. Can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation of opportunism..
On the other hand, 勘案 (かんあん (kannann)) maps to "taking into consideration" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "taking" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "便乗"
セール期間に便乗して、欲しかったものをいくつか購入した。
I took advantage of the sale period and bought a few things I wanted.
Bilingual Context for "勘案"
私は勘案に興味があります。
I am interested in taking into consideration.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "セール期間に ＿＿＿ して、欲しかったものをいくつか購入した。" (Meaning: "I took advantage of the sale period and bought a few things I wanted.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "便乗" fits here because it means "taking advantage (of a situation), jumping on the bandwagon" in the context of: "I took advantage of the sale period and bought a few things I wanted.". "勘案" represents "taking into consideration".