Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Advance" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "advance", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
進める
すすめる (susumeru)
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 進める and 予め.
In Japanese, 進める (すすめる (susumeru)) is typically associated with "to advance, to promote, to push forward (transitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used when someone or something causes an action to move forward, like advancing a plan or promoting a person..
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 "進める"
会議の時間を1時間早めて進めましょう。
Let's move the meeting time forward by an hour.
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: "会議の時間を1時間早めて進めましょう。" (Meaning: "Let's move the meeting time forward by an hour.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "進める" fits here because it means "to advance, to promote, to push forward (transitive)" in the context of: "Let's move the meeting time forward by an hour.". "予め" represents "in advance, beforehand".