伝える、伝わる ちがい The Difference Between “Tsutaeru” (Convey) and “Tsutawaru” (Be Understood) in Japanese
The Difference Between “Tsutaeru” (Convey) and “Tsutawaru” (Be Understood) in Japanese
When learning Japanese, you might come across two similar-looking words: 伝える (tsutaeru) and 伝わる (tsutawaru). At first glance, they both relate to “communicating” something, but they have different nuances. Let’s break them down in simple terms.
1. 伝える (Tsutaeru) – To Convey
Tsutaeru means to actively deliver a message, thought, or information to someone. It focuses on the action of expressing something, whether or not the other person understands it.
Examples:
- 私は自分の意見を先生に伝えた。 (Watashi wa jibun no iken o sensei ni tsutaeta.)
→ I conveyed my opinion to the teacher. - 家族に日本での生活を伝えた。 (Kazoku ni Nihon de no seikatsu o tsutaeta.)
→ I conveyed my life in Japan to my family.
2. 伝わる (Tsutawaru) – To Be Understood
Tsutawaru is about the message being successfully received and understood by the listener. It emphasizes the result rather than the action of conveying.
Examples:
- 私の気持ちが伝わった。 (Watashi no kimochi ga tsutawatta.)
→ My feelings were understood. - この説明で意味が伝わりましたか。 (Kono setsumei de imi ga tsutawarimashita ka?)
→ Did the meaning get across with this explanation?
3. Key Difference: Action vs. Result
| Tsutaeru (伝える) | Tsutawaru (伝わる) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is active? | The speaker | The listener (passive reception) |
| Focus on | The act of communicating | Whether the message is received |
| Example | “I told them my idea.” | “They understood my idea.” |
4. Common Mistakes
A common mistake among beginners is using tsutaeru when they actually mean tsutawaru.
❌ 私のいいたいことが先生に伝えました。
✔️ 私のいいたいことが先生に伝わりました。
(You want to say “My point was understood by the teacher,” not “I told the teacher my point.”)
By understanding the difference between tsutaeru and tsutawaru, you can express yourself more accurately in Japanese!
