Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Previously" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "previously", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
兼ねて
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 兼ねて and 予て.
In Japanese, 兼ねて (かねて (kanete)) is typically associated with "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'..
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 "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.
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: " ＿＿＿ よりお話ししたいことがございました。" (Meaning: "I have had something I wanted to talk about for some time now.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "兼ねて" fits here because it means "previously; beforehand; for some time past" in the context of: "I have had something I wanted to talk about for some time now.". "予て" represents "previously, for some time, already".