Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Throw" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "throw", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
投げる
なげる (nageru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
かなぐり捨てる
かなぐりすてる (kanaguri suteru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "throw" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 投げる and かなぐり捨てる.
In Japanese, 投げる (なげる (nageru)) is typically associated with "to throw" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used for throwing objects. Can also be used metaphorically, e.g., 疑問を投げる.
On the other hand, かなぐり捨てる (かなぐりすてる (kanaguri suteru)) maps to "to throw away; to cast aside; to fling off (forcefully or completely)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To forcefully or completely discard something, often something abstract like shame, pride, or hesitation.. A literal translation of "throw" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "投げる"
彼は野球のボールを高く投げました。
He threw the baseball high.
Bilingual Context for "かなぐり捨てる"
彼はプライドをかなぐり捨てて、助けを求めた。
He cast aside his pride and asked for help.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は野球のボールを高く投げました。" (Meaning: "He threw the baseball high.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "投げる" fits here because it means "to throw" in the context of: "He threw the baseball high.". "かなぐり捨てる" represents "to throw away; to cast aside; to fling off (forcefully or completely)".