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
翻って
ひるがえって (hirugaette)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "other" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between この間 and 翻って.
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, 翻って (ひるがえって (hirugaette)) maps to "on the other hand" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "翻って"
私は翻ってに興味があります。
I am interested in on the other hand.
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.". "翻って" represents "on the other hand".