Synonymy in Japanese
There are many synonyms in Japanese because the Japanese language draws from several different languages for loanwords, notably Chinese and English, as well as its own native words.[1] In Japanese, synonyms are called dōgigo (kanji: 同義語) or ruigigo (kanji: 類義語).[2]
Full synonymy, however, is rare. In general, native Japanese words may have broader meanings than those that are borrowed, Sino-Japanese words tend to suggest a more formal tone, while Western borrowed words more modern.[1]
Yamato kotoba vs. kango vs. gairaigo
The table below compares native Japanese words, inherited from Old Japanese – yamato kotoba – with words borrowed from Chinese – kango – and loanwords from other languages – gairaigo.
| Yamato kotoba | Kango | Gairaigo | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 大きさ / おおきさ / ōkisa | 大小 / だいしょう / daishō | サイズ / saizu | size |
| 速さ / はやさ / hayasa | 速度 / そくど / sokudo | スピード / supīdo | speed |
| 殺し屋 / ころしや / koroshiya | 殺人者 / さつじんしゃ / satsujinsha | キラー / kirā | killer |
Native synonyms
| Word #1 (kanji+hiragana / hiragana only / rōmaji) | Word #2 | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 食べる / たべる / taberu | 食う / くう / kuu | to eat |
| 走る / はしる / hashiru | 駆ける / かける / kakeru | to run |
| 話す / はなす / hanasu | 喋る / しゃべる / shaberu | to talk |
References
- Yoko Hasegawa (13 May 2013). "2.1.3 Synonymy". The Routledge Course in Japanese Translation. Routledge. ISBN 9781136640872.
- "Learning Synonyms in Japanese". Retrieved 2018-01-19.
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