Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "As" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "as", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
まるで
まるで (marude)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
〜として
〜として (〜 to shite)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "as" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between まるで and 〜として.
In Japanese, まるで (まるで (marude)) is typically associated with "as if, just like, entirely" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Often used with 「～のように」 or 「～みたいに」 to express a strong resemblance or a comparison. Can also be used with negative forms like 「まるで～ない」 to mean 'not at all'..
On the other hand, 〜として (〜として (〜 to shite)) maps to "as, in the capacity of" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to indicate the role, capacity, qualification, or position someone or something holds. Can also indicate a standard or criterion.. A literal translation of "as" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "まるで"
彼女はまるでプロの歌手のように歌う。
She sings as if she were a professional singer.
Bilingual Context for "〜として"
彼は医者として、人々の健康を守っている。
As a doctor, he protects people's health.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は ＿＿＿ プロの歌手のように歌う。" (Meaning: "She sings as if she were a professional singer.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "まるで" fits here because it means "as if, just like, entirely" in the context of: "She sings as if she were a professional singer.". "〜として" represents "as, in the capacity of".