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
さすがに
さすがに (sasugani)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "as" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between やはり and さすがに.
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, さすがに (さすがに (sasugani)) maps to "as one would expect" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "さすがに"
私はさすがにに興味があります。
I am interested in as one would expect.
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.". "さすがに" represents "as one would expect".