Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "From" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "from", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
これから
これから (korekara)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
兼ねてより
かねてより (kaneteyori)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "from" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between これから and 兼ねてより.
In Japanese, これから (これから (korekara)) is typically associated with "from now on, after this" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Adverb. Indicates an action or state that will begin or continue from the present moment into the future. Used for plans or impending events..
On the other hand, 兼ねてより (かねてより (kaneteyori)) maps to "from before, for some time, for a long time" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to indicate something has been the case or planned for a while. Often followed by 決めていた. A literal translation of "from" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "これから"
これから学校へ行きます。
I'm going to school now/from now.
Bilingual Context for "兼ねてより"
兼ねてより計画していた海外旅行にようやく行けることになった。
I finally get to go on the overseas trip I've been planning for some time.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 学校へ行きます。" (Meaning: "I'm going to school now/from now.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "これから" fits here because it means "from now on, after this" in the context of: "I'm going to school now/from now.". "兼ねてより" represents "from before, for some time, for a long time".