Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Indeed" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "indeed", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
尤も
もっとも (mottomo)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
蓋し
けだし (kedashi)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "indeed" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 尤も and 蓋し.
In Japanese, 尤も (もっとも (mottomo)) is typically associated with "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。.
On the other hand, 蓋し (けだし (kedashi)) maps to "indeed, truly, probably (classical adverb)" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "indeed" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "尤も"
彼が怒るのも尤もだ。
It's quite natural for him to be angry.
Bilingual Context for "蓋し"
私は蓋しに興味があります。
I am interested in indeed, truly, probably (classical adverb).
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼が怒るのも ＿＿＿ だ。" (Meaning: "It's quite natural for him to be angry.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "尤も" fits here because it means "indeed, quite right, natural, reasonable; (as conjunction) however, but then" in the context of: "It's quite natural for him to be angry.". "蓋し" represents "indeed, truly, probably (classical adverb)".