Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "That" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "that", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
あちら
あちら (achira)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
即ち
すなわち (sunawachi)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "that" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between あちら and 即ち.
In Japanese, あちら (あちら (achira)) is typically associated with "that way, that place; that person (polite, far from both)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite equivalent of あれ.
On the other hand, 即ち (すなわち (sunawachi)) maps to "that is, namely" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "that" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "あちら"
あちらの建物が博物館です。 / あちらの方が部長です。
That building over there is the museum. / That person over there is the department manager.
Bilingual Context for "即ち"
私は即ちに興味があります。
I am interested in that is, namely.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ の建物が博物館です。 / ＿＿＿ の方が部長です。" (Meaning: "That building over there is the museum. / That person over there is the department manager.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あちら" fits here because it means "that way, that place; that person (polite, far from both)" in the context of: "That building over there is the museum. / That person over there is the department manager.". "即ち" represents "that is, namely".