Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Advance" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "advance", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
進む
すすむ (susumu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
予め
あらかじめ (arakajime)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "advance" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 進む and 予め.
In Japanese, 進む (すすむ (susumu)) is typically associated with "to advance, to go forward, to proceed (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used when something moves forward or makes progress on its own, like a clock, a project, or time..
On the other hand, 予め (あらかじめ (arakajime)) maps to "in advance, beforehand" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Adverb. Indicates that an action or preparation is done before something else happens. Often used in formal or business contexts.. A literal translation of "advance" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "進む"
時計が５分進んでいます。
The clock is 5 minutes fast.
Bilingual Context for "予め"
参加を希望する方は、予め登録をお願いします。
Those who wish to participate, please register in advance.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "時計が５分進んでいます。" (Meaning: "The clock is 5 minutes fast.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "進む" fits here because it means "to advance, to go forward, to proceed (intransitive)" in the context of: "The clock is 5 minutes fast.". "予め" represents "in advance, beforehand".