Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Relatively" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "relatively", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
割と
わりと (warito)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
割合に
わりあいに (wari'ai ni)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "relatively" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 割と and 割合に.
In Japanese, 割と (わりと (warito)) is typically associated with "relatively, comparatively, rather, quite" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to indicate that something is more or less.
On the other hand, 割合に (わりあいに (wari'ai ni)) maps to "relatively, comparatively, unexpectedly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates that something is more or less than expected, or in comparison to something else. Often used adverbially. Can also be 「割と」「割合と」.. A literal translation of "relatively" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "割と"
この本は割と面白かったよ。
This book was quite interesting, actually.
Bilingual Context for "割合に"
今日の試験は、割合に簡単だった。
Today's exam was relatively easy.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この本は ＿＿＿ 面白かったよ。" (Meaning: "This book was quite interesting, actually.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "割と" fits here because it means "relatively, comparatively, rather, quite" in the context of: "This book was quite interesting, actually.". "割合に" represents "relatively, comparatively, unexpectedly".