Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Especially" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "especially", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
とりわけ
とりわけ (toriwake)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
就中
なかんずく (nakanzuku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "especially" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between とりわけ and 就中.
In Japanese, とりわけ (とりわけ (toriwake)) is typically associated with "especially, above all, particularly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to emphasize one item or aspect among others; similar to 「特に」but often with a nuance of selecting from a group..
On the other hand, 就中 (なかんずく (nakanzuku)) maps to "especially, above all, among others" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to single out one item or aspect as particularly prominent or important from a group.. A literal translation of "especially" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "とりわけ"
彼女は色々なスポーツができるが、とりわけ水泳が得意だ。
She can do various sports, but she is particularly good at swimming.
Bilingual Context for "就中"
彼は果物が好きだが、就中りんごが好物だ。
He likes fruits, but apples are his favorite among them.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は色々なスポーツができるが、 ＿＿＿ 水泳が得意だ。" (Meaning: "She can do various sports, but she is particularly good at swimming.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "とりわけ" fits here because it means "especially, above all, particularly" in the context of: "She can do various sports, but she is particularly good at swimming.". "就中" represents "especially, above all, among others".