Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Indeed" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "indeed", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
いかにも
いかにも (ikanimo)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
尤も
もっとも (mottomo)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "indeed" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between いかにも and 尤も.
In Japanese, いかにも (いかにも (ikanimo)) is typically associated with "indeed; really; it's just like (him/her/it)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An adverb meaning 'indeed' or 'just like' someone/something. Often used to emphasize that something is typical or exactly as expected. Can also express irony..
On the other hand, 尤も (もっとも (mottomo)) maps to "indeed, quite right, natural, reasonable; (as conjunction) however, but then" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 道理にかなっている、当然であるという肯定的な意味。また、接続詞として使う場合は「そうは言うものの」「もっともらしく」のように、前の内容を認めつつも、反対意見や補足をする際に用いられる。. A literal translation of "indeed" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "いかにも"
彼はいかにも社長らしい話し方をする。
He speaks in a way that is just like a company president.
Bilingual Context for "尤も"
彼が怒るのも尤もだ。
It's quite natural for him to be angry.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ 社長らしい話し方をする。" (Meaning: "He speaks in a way that is just like a company president.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "いかにも" fits here because it means "indeed; really; it's just like (him/her/it)" in the context of: "He speaks in a way that is just like a company president.". "尤も" represents "indeed, quite right, natural, reasonable; (as conjunction) however, but then".