#8 Understanding the Subtle Differences in Synonyms Part1
The word "開ける(akeru)" is likely familiar to many Japanese learners. It means "to open". However, when you look it up in a dictionary, you might also come across the word "開放する(kaihou suru)". You may have seen signs like the one in the image below that say "開放厳禁 (strictly no opening)", which might make you think that "開放する" can be used in the same way as "開ける". But here’s the catch—saying "窓を開放して(open the window)" sounds very unnatural. Why is that?
Let’s Explore the Difference Between "開ける(akeru)" and "開放する(kaihou suru)"
Now, let’s consider some examples.
Using "開ける(akeru)"
・彼女はプレゼントをワクワクしながら開けた。
She opened the present with excitement.
・窓を開けたら、遠くに虹が見えた。
When I opened the window, I saw a rainbow in the distance.
・冷蔵庫を開けると、ジュースがもう無くなっていた。
I opened the fridge, only to find the juice was already gone.
Using "開放する(kaihou suru)"
・博物館は今週末、無料で開放される予定です。
The museum is scheduled to open for free this weekend.
・その図書館は24時間開放されているので、いつでも利用できる。
The library is open 24 hours, so you can use it anytime.
・政府は一部の制限区域を観光客に開放することを発表した。
The government announced that some restricted areas would be opened to tourists.
Looking at these examples, doesn’t it seem like "開ける" is more appropriate for everyday situations like opening a window at home? "開放する," on the other hand, gives off a formal, almost institutional vibe—like something being opened by a rule or official decision, suggesting a more rigid and specific context.
In fact, if you check a Japanese dictionary, you’ll find that "開放する" conveys the nuance of "opening something like a gate or door, and leaving it open, so people can freely come and go without restrictions or limitations.
Similar Words, Subtle Differences
It may seem obvious, but synonyms (words with similar meanings) often carry different nuances. Take the Japanese words "開ける" and "開放する", for instance. Both can be translated as "open" in English, but their nuances differ.
Having multiple words for a single meaning in any language might seem redundant. But when two words exist with the same core meaning, a few things can happen.
One possibility is that one of the words falls out of use and disappears. Alternatively, the words may evolve to cover different aspects or contexts of the same concept, allowing them to coexist. This is how synonyms are born. Even when the core meaning is the same, these words develop distinct nuances or evoke different images, enabling them to thrive side by side.
Exploring the Connotations of Synonyms
In linguistics, there's a term called "connotation". For instance, while both "開ける" and "開放する" share the core meaning of "to open", their connotations—the nuances and associated images—differ. Let’s delve into this concept a bit more.
To make it clearer, let’s consider another example: "女の子(onna no ko)" and "女子(joshi)" . Both words mean "a girl", but they are used in different contexts. Just like with "開ける" and "開放する", the usage of these terms can vary.
Using "女の子(onna no ko)"
・彼女はとても優しい女の子です。
She is a very kind girl.
・女の子たちの間でこのお菓子が流行っている。
This snack is popular among the girls.
・彼は女の子たちと一緒にダンスの練習をした。
He practised dancing with the girls.
Using "女子(joshi)"
・女子サッカーチームが大会で優勝した。
The girls’ football team won the tournament.
・女子トイレがこのフロアにあります。
The ladies’ restroom is on this floor.
・女子高校の制服がかわいいと評判です。
The girls’ school uniform is known for being cute.
"女の子" typically conveys a sense of endearment or affection towards children or young women, while "女子" has a broader scope, often associated with groups or specific activities. Don’t you think it gives off a more collective or formal impression?
On Native Japanese Words and Chinese Loanwords
Now, you might think this is a sudden shift in topic, but it's an essential foundation for our discussion today. Please take a look at the attached image as well.
In Japanese, words can be classified into two categories: "和語(wago)" and "漢語(kango)". "和語(wago)" refers to words originally used by the Japanese people, while "漢語(kango)" are words borrowed from Chinese. Before adopting Chinese characters, the Japanese were already using their own spoken language for communication, and these original Japanese words are what we call "和語(wago)".
Let’s revisit the words "開ける" vs. "開放する" and "女の子" vs. "女子." The former in each pair are "和語", and the latter are "漢語". Sentences using "開ける" and "女の子" tend to feel more everyday, accessible, colloquial, and subjective, often carrying a warm emotional tone. On the other hand, sentences using "開放する" and "女子" seem more formal, specific, and objective, often giving off a neutral or even cold impression. There’s a noticeable pattern here between "和語" and "漢語".
In some of the books I read, there was an analysis that sheds light on this. Since ancient times, China was a superpower with advanced technology, thought, and social systems, making it a dominant presence for Japan. Consequently, anything imported from China—whether tangible or conceptual—was seen by the Japanese as superior, refined, and of higher status. This elevated the prestige of "漢語" while "和語" took on a more everyday, common, and colloquial role. Over time, this difference solidified, with "和語" remaining in everyday, informal use, and "漢語" being reserved for formal, neutral, or written contexts.
Summary
That might have been a bit challenging, but what did you think about today's post? I often get questions from students like, "A and B have the same meaning, but how are they different?" When you're curious about such differences in language, why not try analysing them yourself, using the history and evolution of synonyms as I mentioned in this article? It can be quite enjoyable! Of course, the theory I’ve mentioned isn’t a universal or absolute rule, but it does apply in many cases.
Interestingly, a similar phenomenon can be observed in English, and Japan has also borrowed many words from languages other than Chinese. I plan to explore these topics in future articles, so stay tuned!
Thank you for reading!