Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "That" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "that", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
あの人
あのひと (ano hito)
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 あの人 and 即ち.
In Japanese, あの人 (あのひと (ano hito)) is typically associated with "that person; he; she" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents A polite way to refer to someone who is not present or who is slightly distant. 「あの方.
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 "あの人"
あの人はだれですか。
Who is that person?
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: " ＿＿＿ はだれですか。" (Meaning: "Who is that person?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あの人" fits here because it means "that person; he; she" in the context of: "Who is that person?". "即ち" represents "that is, namely".