Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "One" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "one", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
逐次
ちくじ (chikuji)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
異口同音
いくどうおん (ikudouon)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "one" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 逐次 and 異口同音.
In Japanese, 逐次 (ちくじ (chikuji)) is typically associated with "one by one, successively, in order, sequentially" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to describe actions or events that happen in sequence, one after another, often in a formal or administrative context..
On the other hand, 異口同音 (いくどうおん (ikudouon)) maps to "(with) one voice; unanimously; to say the same thing" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents This is a yojijukugo. A literal translation of "one" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "逐次"
会議の資料は逐次配布されます。
The meeting materials will be distributed successively.
Bilingual Context for "異口同音"
会議の参加者たちは、皆、異口同音に彼の意見に賛成した。
The participants in the meeting all unanimously agreed with his opinion.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議の資料は ＿＿＿ 配布されます。" (Meaning: "The meeting materials will be distributed successively.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "逐次" fits here because it means "one by one, successively, in order, sequentially" in the context of: "The meeting materials will be distributed successively.". "異口同音" represents "(with) one voice; unanimously; to say the same thing".