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
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 まるで and 思い通り.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "思い通り" represents "as one wishes; as one expected; according to one's thoughts".