Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "As" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "as", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
さも
さも (samo)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
手筈通り
てはずどおり (tehazudoori)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "as" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between さも and 手筈通り.
In Japanese, さも (さも (samo)) is typically associated with "as if, just like; really, indeed (often implying pretense or exaggeration)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can mean 'really' or 'indeed,' but more commonly used in the sense of 'as if' or 'like'.
On the other hand, 手筈通り (てはずどおり (tehazudoori)) maps to "as arranged, according to plan, as scheduled" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates that an action or event is proceeding exactly as previously planned or arranged. Often used with verbs like '進む'. A literal translation of "as" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "さも"
彼はさも知っているかのように話したが、実際は何も知らなかった。
He spoke as if he knew everything, but in reality, he knew nothing.
Bilingual Context for "手筈通り"
会議は全て手筈通りに進んだ。
Everything at the meeting proceeded as planned.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ 知っているかのように話したが、実際は何も知らなかった。" (Meaning: "He spoke as if he knew everything, but in reality, he knew nothing.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "さも" fits here because it means "as if, just like; really, indeed (often implying pretense or exaggeration)" in the context of: "He spoke as if he knew everything, but in reality, he knew nothing.". "手筈通り" represents "as arranged, according to plan, as scheduled".