Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Thank" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "thank", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
労う
ねぎらう (negirau)
N1 / 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 労う and 犒う.
In Japanese, 労う (ねぎらう (negirau)) is typically associated with "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。.
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 "労う"
長年の功績を労う。
To appreciate someone's long-standing achievements.
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 ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "To appreciate someone's long-standing achievements.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "労う" fits here because it means "to thank for one's efforts, to reward for toil, to appreciate hard work" in the context of: "To appreciate someone's long-standing achievements.". "犒う" represents "To thank or reward for labor or services; to show appreciation for someone's efforts (rare kanji).".