Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Previously" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "previously", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
かねて
かねて (kanete)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
予て
かねて (kanete)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "previously" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between かねて and 予て.
In Japanese, かねて (かねて (kanete)) is typically associated with "previously, for some time, for a long time" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates that something has been happening or known for a considerable period. Often used with a long-cherished desire or plan..
On the other hand, 予て (かねて (kanete)) maps to "previously, for some time, already" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates that something has been the case, known, or planned for a long time prior to the present moment. Often used with verbs like 「知っている」「思っている」「計画している」. 「以前から、前もって」という意味。. A literal translation of "previously" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "かねて"
かねてよりご要望の多かった新サービスを開始します。
We will launch the new service which has been requested for some time.
Bilingual Context for "予て"
予てから彼の才能には注目していた。
I had been paying attention to his talent for some time.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ よりご要望の多かった新サービスを開始します。" (Meaning: "We will launch the new service which has been requested for some time.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "かねて" fits here because it means "previously, for some time, for a long time" in the context of: "We will launch the new service which has been requested for some time.". "予て" represents "previously, for some time, already".