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
さも
さも (samo)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "as" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between やはり and さも.
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, さも (さも (samo)) maps to "as if, just like; really, indeed (often implying pretense or exaggeration)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can mean 'really' or 'indeed,' but more commonly used in the sense of 'as if' or 'like'. 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 "さも"
彼はさも知っているかのように話したが、実際は何も知らなかった。
He spoke as if he knew everything, but in reality, he knew nothing.
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.". "さも" represents "as if, just like; really, indeed (often implying pretense or exaggeration)".