Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Far" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "far", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
遠い
とおい (tōi)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
遠く
とおく (tooku)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "far" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 遠い and 遠く.
In Japanese, 遠い (とおい (tōi)) is typically associated with "far, distant" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents い-adjective. Describes physical or temporal distance. Its opposite is 近い.
On the other hand, 遠く (とおく (tooku)) maps to "far, distant, a long way off" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents 物理的な距離が離れていることを示します。「遠くに」として場所を指すことが多いです。. A literal translation of "far" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "遠い"
駅はここから遠いです。
The station is far from here.
Bilingual Context for "遠く"
彼の故郷はとても遠いです。
His hometown is very far away.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "駅はここから ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "The station is far from here.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "遠い" fits here because it means "far, distant" in the context of: "The station is far from here.". "遠く" represents "far, distant, a long way off".