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]
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 |
| 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 |