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
兼ねて
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 兼ねて.
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, 兼ねて (かねて (kanete)) maps to "previously; beforehand; for some time past" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A slightly formal or literary term, often used to refer to something that has been known, planned, or felt for a while before the current point. It implies 'already' or 'from before'.. 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 "兼ねて"
兼ねてよりお話ししたいことがございました。
I have had something I wanted to talk about for some time now.
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.". "兼ねて" represents "previously; beforehand; for some time past".