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
犒う
犒う(ねぎらう)
C2PLUS / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "thank" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ねぎらう and 犒う.
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, 犒う (犒う(ねぎらう)) maps to "To thank or reward for labor or services; to show appreciation for someone's efforts (rare kanji)." (Syllabus Level: C2PLUS) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2PLUS vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "犒う"
毎日、日本語を練習するために犒う。
Every day, I thank or reward for labor or services; to show appreciation for someone's efforts (rare kanji). to practice Japanese.
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.". "犒う" represents "To thank or reward for labor or services; to show appreciation for someone's efforts (rare kanji).".