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
滞りなく
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 滞りなく.
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, 滞りなく (とどこおりなく (todokoorinaku)) maps to "smoothly; without a hitch; without delay; without interruption" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something proceeding without any problems, obstacles, or delays. Often used in formal or business contexts. 物事が順調に、何の問題もなく進む様子を表します。. 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 "滞りなく"
会議は滞りなく終了した。
The meeting concluded 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.". "滞りなく" represents "smoothly; without a hitch; without delay; without interruption".