Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "That" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "that", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
あれ
あれ (are)
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 あれ and 即ち.
In Japanese, あれ (あれ (are)) is typically associated with "that (over there)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents 指示詞の一つで、話し手からも聞き手からも遠いものや場所、あるいは以前に話題になったことを指すのに使います。主に名詞の代わりとして使われます。英語の "that" や "that one" に相当します。.
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 "あれ"
あれは私の傘です。
That (over there) is my umbrella.
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: " ＿＿＿ は私の傘です。" (Meaning: "That (over there) is my umbrella.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あれ" fits here because it means "that (over there)" in the context of: "That (over there) is my umbrella.". "即ち" represents "that is, namely".