Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Long" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "long", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
長い
ながい (nagai)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
夙に
つとに (tsutoni)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "long" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 長い and 夙に.
In Japanese, 長い (ながい (nagai)) is typically associated with "long" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An い-adjective used to describe length, duration, or distance..
On the other hand, 夙に (つとに (tsutoni)) maps to "long ago; already; from an early stage; notoriously; well-known" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents This is an adverb, often used in more formal or literary contexts. It signifies something has been the case for a considerable amount of time, or is widely recognized. It implies "already" or "from an early stage" regarding knowledge or status. Colloquial use is rare.. A literal translation of "long" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "長い"
この道はとても長いです。
This road is very long.
Bilingual Context for "夙に"
彼の才能は、その分野では夙に知られている。
His talent has been well-known in that field for a long time.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この道はとても ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "This road is very long.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "長い" fits here because it means "long" in the context of: "This road is very long.". "夙に" represents "long ago; already; from an early stage; notoriously; well-known".