Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "However" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "however", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
しかし
しかし (shikashi)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
しかるに
しかるに (shikaruni)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "however" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between しかし and しかるに.
In Japanese, しかし (しかし (shikashi)) is typically associated with "however, but" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts the preceding statement. It is slightly more formal than 「でも」..
On the other hand, しかるに (しかるに (shikaruni)) maps to "however, nevertheless" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "however" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "しかし"
彼は一生懸命勉強した。しかし、試験は難しかった。
He studied very hard. However, the exam was difficult.
Bilingual Context for "しかるに"
私はしかるにに興味があります。
I am interested in however, nevertheless.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は一生懸命勉強した。 ＿＿＿ 、試験は難しかった。" (Meaning: "He studied very hard. However, the exam was difficult.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "しかし" fits here because it means "however, but" in the context of: "He studied very hard. However, the exam was difficult.". "しかるに" represents "however, nevertheless".