Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Many" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "many", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
何度も
なんども (nandomo)
N3 / 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 何度も and 多岐.
In Japanese, 何度も (なんども (nandomo)) is typically associated with "many times, repeatedly" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Emphasizes a high frequency of repetition. Similar to 何回も.
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 "何度も"
彼は何度も同じ間違いをしました。
He made the same mistake many times.
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: "彼は ＿＿＿ 同じ間違いをしました。" (Meaning: "He made the same mistake many times.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "何度も" fits here because it means "many times, repeatedly" in the context of: "He made the same mistake many times.". "多岐" represents "many branches, diverse, varied, wide-ranging".