Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Other" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "other", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一方
いっぽう (ippou)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
この間
このあいだ (konoaida)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "other" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一方 and この間.
In Japanese, 一方 (いっぽう (ippou)) is typically associated with "on the other hand; meanwhile; one side" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to contrast two situations or to describe two things happening simultaneously. Often seen in the pattern 「Aである一方、Bでもある」 or 「Aする一方、Bする」..
On the other hand, この間 (このあいだ (konoaida)) maps to "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'.. A literal translation of "other" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "一方"
この薬は効果が高い一方、副作用もある。
This medicine is highly effective; on the other hand, it also has side effects.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この薬は効果が高い ＿＿＿ 、副作用もある。" (Meaning: "This medicine is highly effective; on the other hand, it also has side effects.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一方" fits here because it means "on the other hand; meanwhile; one side" in the context of: "This medicine is highly effective; on the other hand, it also has side effects.". "この間" represents "the other day, recently".