Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "As" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "as", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
努めて
つとめて (tsutomete)
N2 / 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 努めて and さすがに.
In Japanese, 努めて (つとめて (tsutomete)) is typically associated with "as much as possible; as diligently as possible; to try hard (adverbial)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 「できる限り」「一生懸命に」といった意味で、ある行動を意識的に努力して行う様子を表す副詞です。/ An adverb meaning 'as much as possible' or 'diligently,' describing the act of consciously making an effort to perform an action..
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 "努めて"
彼は努めて冷静を装っていたが、内心は焦っていた。
He tried his best to appear calm, but inwardly he was panicking.
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 ＿＿＿ 冷静を装っていたが、内心は焦っていた。" (Meaning: "He tried his best to appear calm, but inwardly he was panicking.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "努めて" fits here because it means "as much as possible; as diligently as possible; to try hard (adverbial)" in the context of: "He tried his best to appear calm, but inwardly he was panicking.". "さすがに" represents "as one would expect".