Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Thank" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "thank", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
ねぎらう
ねぎらう (negirau)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
労う
ねぎらう (negirau)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "thank" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ねぎらう and 労う.
In Japanese, ねぎらう (ねぎらう (negirau)) is typically associated with "to thank for hard work, to express gratitude for effort" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to appreciate someone's effort or labor, often after a long or difficult task..
On the other hand, 労う (ねぎらう (negirau)) maps to "to thank for one's efforts, to reward for toil, to appreciate hard work" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 大変な仕事や努力、貢献に対して、感謝や慰労の気持ちを表す際に用いられます。達成後や一区切りついた時に使われることが多いです。. A literal translation of "thank" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "ねぎらう"
長年の功績をねぎらい、感謝状を贈った。
We presented a letter of appreciation to thank him for his many years of service.
Bilingual Context for "労う"
長年の功績を労う。
To appreciate someone's long-standing achievements.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "長年の功績をねぎらい、感謝状を贈った。" (Meaning: "We presented a letter of appreciation to thank him for his many years of service.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ねぎらう" fits here because it means "to thank for hard work, to express gratitude for effort" in the context of: "We presented a letter of appreciation to thank him for his many years of service.". "労う" represents "to thank for one's efforts, to reward for toil, to appreciate hard work".