Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Even" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "even", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
すら
すら (sura)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
猿も木から落ちる
さるもきからおちる (saru mo ki kara ochiru)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "even" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between すら and 猿も木から落ちる.
In Japanese, すら (すら (sura)) is typically associated with "even (emphatic), to the extent that" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Particle used to emphasize an extreme or unexpected case, implying that other less extreme cases are also true. Indicates "even X, let alone Y.".
On the other hand, 猿も木から落ちる (さるもきからおちる (saru mo ki kara ochiru)) maps to "even experts fail" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "even" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "すら"
彼は忙しくて、食事をとる時間すら惜しいと言っていた。
He said he was so busy that he grudged even the time to eat.
Bilingual Context for "猿も木から落ちる"
私は猿も木から落ちるに興味があります。
I am interested in even experts fail.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は忙しくて、食事をとる時間 ＿＿＿ 惜しいと言っていた。" (Meaning: "He said he was so busy that he grudged even the time to eat.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "すら" fits here because it means "even (emphatic), to the extent that" in the context of: "He said he was so busy that he grudged even the time to eat.". "猿も木から落ちる" represents "even experts fail".