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
跛鼈千里
はべつせんり
C2PLUS / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "even" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between すら and 跛鼈千里.
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, 跛鼈千里 (はべつせんり) maps to "Even a lame turtle, through slow but persistent effort, can travel a thousand miles; perseverance leads to great achievement." (Syllabus Level: C2PLUS) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2PLUS 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 "跛鼈千里"
私は跛鼈千里に興味があります。
I am interested in Even a lame turtle, through slow but persistent effort, can travel a thousand miles; perseverance leads to great achievement..
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.". "跛鼈千里" represents "Even a lame turtle, through slow but persistent effort, can travel a thousand miles; perseverance leads to great achievement.".