Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Smoothly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "smoothly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
すんなり
すんなり (sunnari)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
とどこおりなく
とどこおりなく (todokoorinaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "smoothly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between すんなり and とどこおりなく.
In Japanese, すんなり (すんなり (sunnari)) is typically associated with "smoothly, without a hitch; slender, lithe" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something progressing easily and without obstruction, or a person's slender and graceful figure..
On the other hand, とどこおりなく (とどこおりなく (todokoorinaku)) maps to "smoothly; without a hitch; without delay; without impediment" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates that something proceeds or is completed smoothly, without any problems, delays, or obstacles. Often used in formal or business contexts.. A literal translation of "smoothly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "すんなり"
交渉はすんなりとまとまった。
The negotiations concluded smoothly.
Bilingual Context for "とどこおりなく"
会議はとどこおりなく進行した。
The meeting proceeded smoothly.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "交渉は ＿＿＿ とまとまった。" (Meaning: "The negotiations concluded smoothly.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "すんなり" fits here because it means "smoothly, without a hitch; slender, lithe" in the context of: "The negotiations concluded smoothly.". "とどこおりなく" represents "smoothly; without a hitch; without delay; without impediment".