Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Many" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "many", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
多い
おおい (ooi)
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 多い and 多岐.
In Japanese, 多い (おおい (ooi)) is typically associated with "many, much, numerous" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents An i-adjective used to describe a large quantity or number. The opposite is 少ない.
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 "多い"
この公園は人が多いです。
There are many people in this park.
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: "この公園は人が ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "There are many people in this park.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "多い" fits here because it means "many, much, numerous" in the context of: "There are many people in this park.". "多岐" represents "many branches, diverse, varied, wide-ranging".