Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Next" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "next", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
隣
となり (tonari)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
今度
こんど (kondo)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "next" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 隣 and 今度.
In Japanese, 隣 (となり (tonari)) is typically associated with "next to, neighbor" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Refers to something/someone 'next door' or 'adjacent'.
On the other hand, 今度 (こんど (kondo)) maps to "next time; another time; this time" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Mainly refers to 'next time' or 'another time' in the future. Can also mean 'this time' or 'the last time' depending on context. A literal translation of "next" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "隣"
私の隣の席に友達が座っています。
My friend is sitting in the seat next to me.
Bilingual Context for "今度"
今度、一緒に映画を見に行きませんか。
Would you like to go see a movie together next time?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私の ＿＿＿ の席に友達が座っています。" (Meaning: "My friend is sitting in the seat next to me.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "隣" fits here because it means "next to, neighbor" in the context of: "My friend is sitting in the seat next to me.". "今度" represents "next time; another time; this time".