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.
To counterbalance a flaw, lack, or disadvantage with a positive quality or action.
The most common and versatile way to say 'compensate for' in the sense of making up for a deficiency. Used for both concrete and abstract things.
彼は経験不足を努力で補った。
He compensated for his lack of experience with hard work.
この素材は強度の低さを柔軟性で補っている。
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.
遅刻の埋め合わせに、昼食をおごった。
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.
下手な日本語はジェスチャーでカバーした。
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.
コスト増は売上増で相殺された。
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.
この景色が長い待ち時間の埋め合わせになった。
This view compensated for the long wait.
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.
彼の尽力に報いるために、会社はボーナスを出した。
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.
被害者に損害を賠償した。
They compensated the victim for the damages.
General term for compensation, often used for financial reimbursement or making amends.
会社は事故の補償をした。
The company compensated for the accident.