Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Many" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "many", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
たくさん
たくさん (takusan)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
多岐
たき (taki)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "many" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between たくさん and 多岐.
In Japanese, たくさん (たくさん (takusan)) is typically associated with "many, much, a lot" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents 量や程度が多いことを表す副詞です。名詞の前に置く場合は「たくさんのN」の形になります。.
On the other hand, 多岐 (たき (taki)) maps to "many branches, diverse, varied, wide-ranging" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Used to describe something that has many different aspects, branches, or extends in various directions. Usually appears in the phrase「多岐にわたる」. A literal translation of "many" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "たくさん"
毎日水をたくさん飲みます。
I drink a lot of water every day.
Bilingual Context for "多岐"
彼の研究テーマは多岐にわたっている。
His research themes are wide-ranging.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "毎日水を ＿＿＿ 飲みます。" (Meaning: "I drink a lot of water every day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "たくさん" fits here because it means "many, much, a lot" in the context of: "I drink a lot of water every day.". "多岐" represents "many branches, diverse, varied, wide-ranging".