What is the difference between "おととい" and "一昨日"?

"おととい" means "the day before yesterday" (N5), whereas "一昨日" represents "the day before yesterday" (N4).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "おととい (ototoi)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

おととい (ototoi)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

おととい (ototoi)

N4 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "おととい (ototoi)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

おととい (Level: N5): Translates to "the day before yesterday" and is used when Refers to two days before today. While 一昨日.
一昨日 (Level: N4): Maps to "the day before yesterday" and carries the nuance of Refers to the day two days ago. Used for recent past events. Sometimes pronounced 'issakujitsu' in more formal contexts, but 'ototoi' is common for N4..

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "おととい"

おととい、友達と映画を見に行きました。

I went to see a movie with a friend the day before yesterday.

Bilingual Context for "一昨日"

一昨日、図書館で本を借りました。

I borrowed a book from the library the day before yesterday.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: " ＿＿＿、友達と映画を見に行きました。" (Meaning: "I went to see a movie with a friend the day before yesterday.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "おととい" is used for "the day before yesterday" in the context: "I went to see a movie with a friend the day before yesterday.".