Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "As" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "as", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
思い通り
おもいどおり (omoi-doori)
N3 / 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 思い通り and さも.
In Japanese, 思い通り (おもいどおり (omoi-doori)) is typically associated with "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」.
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 "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.
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: "試験が ＿＿＿ に進んで、安心した。" (Meaning: "The exam went as I expected, so I was relieved.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "思い通り" fits here because it means "as one wishes; as one expected; according to one's thoughts" in the context of: "The exam went as I expected, so I was relieved.". "さも" represents "as if, just like; really, indeed (often implying pretense or exaggeration)".