Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Other" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "other", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
以外
いがい (igai)
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 以外 and この間.
In Japanese, 以外 (いがい (igai)) is typically associated with "other than, except for, besides" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to exclude something from a general statement. Often follows a noun or a phrase ending in の to indicate 'all except X'..
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 "以外"
彼は日本語以外に英語も話せる。
Besides Japanese, he can also speak English.
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: "彼は日本語 ＿＿＿ に英語も話せる。" (Meaning: "Besides Japanese, he can also speak English.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "以外" fits here because it means "other than, except for, besides" in the context of: "Besides Japanese, he can also speak English.". "この間" represents "the other day, recently".