Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "From" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "from", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
心から
こころから (kokoro kara)
N3 / 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 心から and 兼ねてより.
In Japanese, 心から (こころから (kokoro kara)) is typically associated with "from the bottom of one's heart, sincerely, wholeheartedly" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An adverbial phrase emphasizing sincerity or deep feeling. Often used with verbs like 感謝する.
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 "心から"
心から感謝申し上げます。
I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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: " ＿＿＿ 感謝申し上げます。" (Meaning: "I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "心から" fits here because it means "from the bottom of one's heart, sincerely, wholeheartedly" in the context of: "I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart.". "兼ねてより" represents "from before, for some time, for a long time".