Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Not" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "not", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
そんなに
そんなに (sonnani)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
さほど
さほど (sahodo)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "not" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between そんなに and さほど.
In Japanese, そんなに (そんなに (sonnani)) is typically associated with "(not) so much; (not) that much" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used with negative expressions.
On the other hand, さほど (さほど (sahodo)) maps to "not particularly, not so much (used with a negative verb)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Always used with a negative expression to indicate that something is not to that extent or degree. Often implies 'not as much as one might expect.'. A literal translation of "not" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "そんなに"
この映画は、そんなに面白くありませんでした。
This movie wasn't that interesting.
Bilingual Context for "さほど"
その映画は前評判ほどさほど面白くなかった。
That movie wasn't as interesting as its initial reputation suggested.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この映画は、 ＿＿＿ 面白くありませんでした。" (Meaning: "This movie wasn't that interesting.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "そんなに" fits here because it means "(not) so much; (not) that much" in the context of: "This movie wasn't that interesting.". "さほど" represents "not particularly, not so much (used with a negative verb)".