Translation guide
The English phrase "compensate for" can mean to make up for a weakness, to offset a negative, or to provide payment for work or loss. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
He compensated for his lack of experience with hard work.
This material compensates for its low strength with flexibility.
Literally 'to make up for', often used when trying to compensate for a mistake, inconvenience, or loss, especially in social situations.
To compensate for being late, I treated him to lunch.
Casual, often used in spoken Japanese. Means 'to cover for' a weakness using something else.
I compensated for my poor Japanese with gestures.
To balance out a bad situation, cost, or damage with something positive.
Formal term meaning 'to offset' or 'cancel out'. Often used in business or economic contexts.
The increased costs were compensated for by higher sales.
Similar to the previous 埋め合わせ, but often used when something serves as compensation.
To give money or something of value in return for services, damages, or suffering.
Means 'to reward' or 'to compensate' someone for their efforts or kindness. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
To compensate him for his efforts, the company gave a bonus.
Legal term for compensating for damages or losses. Used in formal, legal, or insurance contexts.
General term for compensation, often used for financial reimbursement or making amends.
This view compensated for the long wait.
They compensated the victim for the damages.
The company compensated for the accident.