How to say "satisfy" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 満たすみたすgodan verb, transitive verbThe broadest choice: covers satisfying conditions, appetites, demands, and needs. Use it when something fulfills a requirement or gratifies a desire, as in conditions being satisfied.
- 応じるおうじるichidan verb, intransitive verbCovers satisfying in the sense of responding to or complying with demands, requests, or expectations. It emphasizes meeting what is asked rather than fulfilling a condition or appetite.
- 添うそうgodan verb, intransitive verbUsed for satisfying or living up to wishes, expectations, or hopes. It carries the nuance of meeting someone's expectations, and is not the choice for appetites or concrete conditions.
- 応ずるおうずるichidan verb (-zuru), intransitive verbEssentially the same satisfying sense as 応じる, namely responding to or accepting demands; the two overlap heavily. Prefer whichever fits your sentence's tone, but do not use it for appetites.
- godan verb, intransitive verbCovers satisfying conditions only in the sense of being fit for or suited to something, such as a job. It is marginal for 'satisfy' generally and really means 'to fit' or 'to be suited for'.
Use 「満たす」 for satisfying conditions, appetites, or demands; 「応じる」/「応ずる」 for responding to or complying with demands or expectations; 「添う」 for living up to wishes or expectations; 「はまる」 for being suited to or fitting conditions.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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