Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Day" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "day", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
おととい
おととい (ototoi)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
一昨日
おととい (ototoi)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "day" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between おととい and 一昨日.
In Japanese, おととい (おととい (ototoi)) is typically associated with "the day before yesterday" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Refers to two days before today. While 一昨日.
On the other hand, 一昨日 (おととい (ototoi)) maps to "the day before yesterday" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to the day two days ago. Used for recent past events. Sometimes pronounced 'issakujitsu' in more formal contexts, but 'ototoi' is common for N4.. A literal translation of "day" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "おととい"
おととい、友達と映画を見に行きました。
I went to see a movie with a friend the day before yesterday.
Bilingual Context for "一昨日"
一昨日、図書館で本を借りました。
I borrowed a book from the library the day before yesterday.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 、友達と映画を見に行きました。" (Meaning: "I went to see a movie with a friend the day before yesterday.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "おととい" fits here because it means "the day before yesterday" in the context of: "I went to see a movie with a friend the day before yesterday.". "一昨日" represents "the day before yesterday".