Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Other" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "other", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
この間
このあいだ (konoaida)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
その他
そのた (sonota)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "other" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between この間 and その他.
In Japanese, この間 (このあいだ (konoaida)) is typically associated with "the other day, recently" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Time expression. Refers to a recent, but not precisely specified, point in the past. It suggests 'a few days ago' or 'not long ago'..
On the other hand, その他 (そのた (sonota)) maps to "other; the rest; besides; etc." (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to refer to remaining items or categories after specific ones have been mentioned. It can function like 'etc.' or 'the others/rest.' 「～やその他」のように、いくつかの具体例を挙げた後に残りをまとめて指すときに使われます。. A literal translation of "other" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "この間"
この間、映画館で田中さんに会った。
I met Mr. Tanaka at the movie theater the other day.
Bilingual Context for "その他"
旅行には着替え、パスポート、そしてその他必要なものを持って行きます。
For the trip, I'll bring a change of clothes, my passport, and other necessary items.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 、映画館で田中さんに会った。" (Meaning: "I met Mr. Tanaka at the movie theater the other day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "この間" fits here because it means "the other day, recently" in the context of: "I met Mr. Tanaka at the movie theater the other day.". "その他" represents "other; the rest; besides; etc.".