Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Worth" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "worth", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
遣り甲斐
やりがい (yarigai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
やりがい
やりがい (yarigai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "worth" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 遣り甲斐 and やりがい.
In Japanese, 遣り甲斐 (やりがい (yarigai)) is typically associated with "worth doing, rewarding, sense of purpose" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Expresses the feeling of satisfaction or fulfillment derived from an activity, often due to its challenge, significance, or contribution. Commonly used with 'がある/ない'..
On the other hand, やりがい (やりがい (yarigai)) maps to "worth doing, value, sense of purpose" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the satisfaction, fulfillment, or sense of purpose gained from doing something, especially something challenging or meaningful. Often combined with 「ある」「ない」. It is a noun.. A literal translation of "worth" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "遣り甲斐"
大変な仕事だが、人々の笑顔を見ると遣り甲斐を感じる。
It's a tough job, but seeing people's smiles makes me feel it's rewarding.
Bilingual Context for "やりがい"
この仕事は大変だが、やりがいがある。
This job is tough, but it's rewarding.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "大変な仕事だが、人々の笑顔を見ると ＿＿＿ を感じる。" (Meaning: "It's a tough job, but seeing people's smiles makes me feel it's rewarding.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "遣り甲斐" fits here because it means "worth doing, rewarding, sense of purpose" in the context of: "It's a tough job, but seeing people's smiles makes me feel it's rewarding.". "やりがい" represents "worth doing, value, sense of purpose".