Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "As" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "as", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
やはり
やはり (yahari)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
さすが
さすが (sasuga)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "as" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between やはり and さすが.
In Japanese, やはり (やはり (yahari)) is typically associated with "as expected, after all, too, also" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Adverb. Implies that something is as one thought or expected. Also has a slightly more formal variant '矢張り'.
On the other hand, さすが (さすが (sasuga)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "as" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "やはり"
やはり、彼はそのニュースを知っていました。
As expected, he knew that news.
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'.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 、彼はそのニュースを知っていました。" (Meaning: "As expected, he knew that news.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "やはり" fits here because it means "as expected, after all, too, also" in the context of: "As expected, he knew that news.". "さすが" represents "as expected, indeed, just like you (him/her)".