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.^[1] In Japanese, synonyms are called dōgigo (kanji: 同義語) or ruigigo (kanji: 類義語).^[2]

Full synonymy, however, is rare. In general, native Japanese words may have broader meanings than those that are borrowed, Sino-Japanese words tend to suggest a more formal tone, while Western borrowed words more modern.^[1]