Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Thank" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "thank", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
慰労
いろう (irō)
N1 / 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 慰労 and 労う.
In Japanese, 慰労 (いろう (irō)) is typically associated with "to thank/reward for hard work, to express appreciation for efforts" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Expressing appreciation or gratitude for someone's hard work and effort, often after a demanding period or project, acknowledging their fatigue and thanking them..
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 "慰労"
長いプロジェクトが終わった後、社員を慰労するパーティーが開かれた。
After the long project finished, a party was held to thank the employees for their hard work.
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: "長いプロジェクトが終わった後、社員を ＿＿＿ するパーティーが開かれた。" (Meaning: "After the long project finished, a party was held to thank the employees for their hard work.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "慰労" fits here because it means "to thank/reward for hard work, to express appreciation for efforts" in the context of: "After the long project finished, a party was held to thank the employees for their hard work.". "労う" represents "to thank for one's efforts, to reward for toil, to appreciate hard work".