Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Wake" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "wake", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
起こす
おこす (okosu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
覚める
さめる (sameru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "wake" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 起こす and 覚める.
In Japanese, 起こす (おこす (okosu)) is typically associated with "to wake (someone) up; to cause" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Can mean to wake someone up from sleep, or to cause an event, problem, or even to start a fire..
On the other hand, 覚める (さめる (sameru)) maps to "to wake up, to awaken (from sleep, dream, drunkenness)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used for naturally waking up from sleep or a dream, or becoming sober.. A literal translation of "wake" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "起こす"
毎朝、母が私を起こします。
My mother wakes me up every morning.
Bilingual Context for "覚める"
毎朝6時に目が覚めます。
I wake up at 6 every morning.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "毎朝、母が私を起こします。" (Meaning: "My mother wakes me up every morning.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "起こす" fits here because it means "to wake (someone) up; to cause" in the context of: "My mother wakes me up every morning.". "覚める" represents "to wake up, to awaken (from sleep, dream, drunkenness)".