How to say "choice" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 選択せんたくnoun, suru verb, transitive verbThe word you want for 'choice' as the act of choosing among alternatives: which school to attend, which plan to pick. Covers both 'choice' and 'selection' in everyday use.
- nounCovers 'option' — something available to be chosen, such as a setting or extra — more than the act of choosing itself; for the act of choosing, use 選択.
- 選せんnoun, noun (suffix)Rarely used on its own for 'choice'; it chiefly appears as an element inside compound words, so it is seldom the word you want when you simply mean 'choice' — reach for 選択 instead.
- 選考せんこうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbSelection by evaluation or screening: choosing the successful candidates or applicants after judging them. Use it where English says 'selection' or 'screening' rather than a personal choice.
- 選出せんしゅつnoun, suru verb, transitive verbElecting or selecting a person to a post or as a representative — someone is picked out from a field of candidates. For general 'choice', use 選択 instead.
Use 選択 for the general act of choosing, 「オプション」 for an available option, 選考 for selection by screening, 選出 for electing or choosing a representative, and treat 選 as mainly a compound element.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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