🦅 Project Eagle
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

一方で

いっぽうで (ippou de)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "other" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between この間 and 一方で. 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, 一方で (いっぽうで (ippou de)) maps to "on the other hand, while, meanwhile" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to express contrasting ideas or two different aspects of the same thing. It can also indicate simultaneous actions or states.. 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 "一方で"
この町は自然が豊かな一方で、交通の便はあまり良くない。
This town is rich in nature; on the other hand, public transportation is not very convenient.

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.". "一方で" represents "on the other hand, while, meanwhile".