Translation guide
The concept of synonymy — words having the same or nearly the same meaning — is expressed in Japanese through several nouns and technical terms. This guide covers how to talk about synonymy in linguistics, everyday language, and related expressions.
Referring to the linguistic phenomenon of synonymy, especially in academic or technical contexts.
The standard technical term for synonymy in linguistics. Used in academic writing and discussions about semantics.
同義性は意味論の重要な概念です。
Synonymy is an important concept in semantics.
Often used interchangeably with 同義性, but can imply near-synonymy rather than exact synonymy. Common in linguistic contexts.
類義性の研究は辞書編集に役立ちます。
The study of synonymy is useful for lexicography.
Less common variant; can be found in some linguistic texts but 同義性 is preferred.
同意性と反意性は対になる概念です。
Synonymy and antonymy are complementary concepts.
Describing the relationship of being synonyms, often in everyday or educational contexts.
Literally 'synonym relationship'. Used when talking about the connection between two synonymous words.
「大きい」と「でかい」は同義関係にあります。
'Ōkii' and 'dekai' are in a synonym relationship.
Similar to 同義関係 but may emphasize near-synonymy. Common in Japanese language education.
これらの語は類義関係にあります。
These words are in a synonym relationship.
Referring to synonymy as a quality or state, often in philosophical or general discussions.
The most common word for 'synonymy' or 'the same meaning'. Can be used in compounds or on its own.
この二つの表現は同義です。
These two expressions are synonymous.
Often used for 'near-synonymy'. In many contexts, 同義 and 類義 are interchangeable, but 類義 can imply slight differences.
それらは完全な同義ではなく、類義です。
They are not perfect synonyms; they are near-synonyms.
Talking about synonymy as a feature in reference works, or the collection of synonyms.
Literally 'same-meaning word'. Often used to refer to synonyms themselves, but can also denote the concept of synonymy in lexicography.
この辞書は同意語が豊富です。
This dictionary has a wealth of synonyms.
Similar to 同意語, but often used in thesauruses and may include near-synonyms. The concept of synonymy is implied.
同義 (どうぎ) implies exact synonymy, while 類義 (るいぎ) implies near-synonymy. In practice, many Japanese speakers use them interchangeably, but in strict linguistic contexts, the distinction matters. For most learners, 同義 is the safer choice when you mean 'same meaning'.
厳密には同義ではないが、類義として扱われる。
Strictly speaking, they are not synonymous, but they are treated as near-synonyms.
In casual conversation, you can simply say 「AとBは同じ意味です」 (A to B wa onaji imi desu) instead of using the technical term 同義. This is more natural for everyday talk.
「たぶん」と「おそらく」は同じ意味です。
'Tabun' and 'osoraku' have the same meaning.
Look up synonyms in a thesaurus.