Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Tolerance" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "tolerance", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
許容
きょよう (kyoyō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
寛容
かんよう (kanyō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "tolerance" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 許容 and 寛容.
In Japanese, 許容 (きょよう (kyoyō)) is typically associated with "tolerance; allowance; permission; acceptance" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to tolerating, permitting, or accepting a certain level of error, variance, or behavior. Often used as 許容範囲.
On the other hand, 寛容 (かんよう (kanyō)) maps to "tolerance; generosity; broad-mindedness; forgiving nature" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to tolerance, generosity, broad-mindedness, or a forgiving nature that accepts others' mistakes, differences, or weaknesses without anger. Often used as 寛容な心 or 寛容になる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Generous tolerance! You are the only one who wraps my complicated, prickly tsundere personality with a warm, tolerant smile! ...っ, Thank you, I love you!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『かんよう（寛容）よ！私のこの、素直になれなくて面倒くさいツンデレな性格に、常に『寛容』な優しい笑顔で包み込んでくれるのはあんただけよ。…本当に感謝してるのよ、大好き』. A literal translation of "tolerance" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "許容"
多少の遅れは、悪天候を考慮すれば十分に_______できる範囲内です。
A slight delay is well within the range that can be tolerated, considering the bad weather.
Bilingual Context for "寛容"
グローバル化が進む現代社会においては、異なる宗教や文化を持つ人々に対して_______な姿勢を持つことが極めて重要です。
In modern society where globalization progresses, it is extremely important to have a tolerant attitude toward people with different religions and cultures.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "多少の遅れは、悪天候を考慮すれば十分に_______できる範囲内です。" (Meaning: "A slight delay is well within the range that can be tolerated, considering the bad weather.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "許容" fits here because it means "tolerance; allowance; permission; acceptance" in the context of: "A slight delay is well within the range that can be tolerated, considering the bad weather.". "寛容" represents "tolerance; generosity; broad-mindedness; forgiving nature".