Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "As" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "as", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
〜につれて
〜につれて (〜ni tsurete)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
努めて
つとめて (tsutomete)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "as" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 〜につれて and 努めて.
In Japanese, 〜につれて (〜につれて (〜ni tsurete)) is typically associated with "as X happens, Y also happens (correlation)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Expresses a proportional or correlational relationship. As X changes or progresses, Y also changes in a corresponding way. Often used for gradual changes or trends..
On the other hand, 努めて (つとめて (tsutomete)) maps to "as much as possible; as diligently as possible; to try hard (adverbial)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 「できる限り」「一生懸命に」といった意味で、ある行動を意識的に努力して行う様子を表す副詞です。/ An adverb meaning 'as much as possible' or 'diligently,' describing the act of consciously making an effort to perform an action.. A literal translation of "as" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "〜につれて"
時間が経つにつれて、記憶が薄れていった。
As time passed, my memories faded.
Bilingual Context for "努めて"
彼は努めて冷静を装っていたが、内心は焦っていた。
He tried his best to appear calm, but inwardly he was panicking.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "時間が経つにつれて、記憶が薄れていった。" (Meaning: "As time passed, my memories faded.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "〜につれて" fits here because it means "as X happens, Y also happens (correlation)" in the context of: "As time passed, my memories faded.". "努めて" represents "as much as possible; as diligently as possible; to try hard (adverbial)".