Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "As" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "as", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
さすが
さすが (sasuga)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
思い通り
おもいどおり (omoi-doori)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "as" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between さすが and 思い通り.
In Japanese, さすが (さすが (sasuga)) is typically associated with "as expected, indeed, just like you (him/her)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Expresses admiration or confirmation that something meets expectations, often positive. Can also imply 'even.
On the other hand, 思い通り (おもいどおり (omoi-doori)) maps to "as one wishes; as one expected; according to one's thoughts" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used with に to express 'doing something as one wishes' or 'things going as expected'. Can be positive or negative, depending on context. 「計画が思い通りに進む」. A literal translation of "as" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "さすが"
難しい問題を簡単に解いた彼を見て、さすがだと思った。
Seeing him easily solve a difficult problem, I thought, 'as expected of him'.
Bilingual Context for "思い通り"
試験が思い通りに進んで、安心した。
The exam went as I expected, so I was relieved.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "難しい問題を簡単に解いた彼を見て、 ＿＿＿ だと思った。" (Meaning: "Seeing him easily solve a difficult problem, I thought, 'as expected of him'.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "さすが" fits here because it means "as expected, indeed, just like you (him/her)" in the context of: "Seeing him easily solve a difficult problem, I thought, 'as expected of him'.". "思い通り" represents "as one wishes; as one expected; according to one's thoughts".