Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Write" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "write", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
書きます
かきます (kakimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
著す
あらわす (arawasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "write" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 書きます and 著す.
In Japanese, 書きます (かきます (kakimasu)) is typically associated with "to write, to draw (polite form)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite form of 書く.
On the other hand, 著す (あらわす (arawasu)) maps to "to write, to publish, to author (a book, work)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Specifically refers to writing and publishing significant literary, academic, or artistic works, such as books, theses, or musical compositions. Different from 書く. A literal translation of "write" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "書きます"
手紙を書きます。
I write a letter.
Bilingual Context for "著す"
彼は数々の文学作品を著したことで知られている。
He is known for having authored numerous literary works.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "手紙を ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I write a letter.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "書きます" fits here because it means "to write, to draw (polite form)" in the context of: "I write a letter.". "著す" represents "to write, to publish, to author (a book, work)".