synonym Comparative
倒す
VS
潔い
Differences Between "倒す" and "潔い"
Option A
倒す
Meaning
to throw down, to knock over, to defeat
Reading
たおす (taosu)
Syllabus Level
N4
Practical Example
風が強くて木が倒れてしまいました。
The wind was strong, and the tree fell over. (倒れる - intransitive. 倒す is transitive)
Option B
潔い
Meaning
Resolute, graceful, ungrudging (in admitting defeat), magnanimous, chivalrous
Reading
いさぎよい (isagiyoi)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼は自分の非を潔く認め、謝罪した。
He ungrudgingly admitted his fault and apologized.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(to throw down, to knock over, to defeat)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 倒す: Transitive verb. Can mean to cause something to fall over (e.g., a tree, a vase) or to defeat an opponent (e.g., in a game, battle).
- 潔い: Describes someone who is decisive, straightforward, and accepts consequences gracefully, especially defeat or responsibility, without complaint or pettiness. It implies a noble and honorable character. (決断力があり、正直で、不平不満やみみっちい態度なく、結果（特に敗北や責任）を潔く受け入れる人を表す。高潔で品位のある性格を暗示する。)
- 倒す: Transitive verb. Can mean to cause something to fall over (e.g., a tree, a vase) or to defeat an opponent (e.g., in a game, battle).
- 潔い: Describes someone who is decisive, straightforward, and accepts consequences gracefully, especially defeat or responsibility, without complaint or pettiness. It implies a noble and honorable character. (決断力があり、正直で、不平不満やみみっちい態度なく、結果（特に敗北や責任）を潔く受け入れる人を表す。高潔で品位のある性格を暗示する。)
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