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
その他
そのた (sonota)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "other" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 以外 and その他.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "その他" represents "other; the rest; besides; etc.".