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. In Japanese, synonyms are called dōgigo (kanji: ) or ruigigo (kanji: ).
Full synonymy, however, is rare. In general, native Japanese words may have broader meanings than those that are borrowed; among these, Sino-Japanese words tend to suggest a more formal tone, while Western borrowed words (especially English) sound more modern.
Yamato kotoba vs. kango vs. gairaigo 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 kotobaKangoGairaigo(katakana / rōmaji)Meaning(kanji+hiragana / hiragana only / rōmaji) / / / / / size / / / / / speed / / / / / killer
Native synonyms Word #1Word #2 (more colloquial)Meaning(kanji+hiragana / hiragana only / rōmaji) / / / / to eat / / / / to run / / / / to talk
See also Loanwords in Japanese Sino-Japanese vocabulary List of Japanese words of Dutch origin List of Japanese words of Portuguese origin List of gairaigo and wasei-eigo terms
References