Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "That" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "that", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
それ
それ (sore)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
あの人
あのひと (ano hito)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "that" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between それ and あの人.
In Japanese, それ (それ (sore)) is typically associated with "that (thing near listener)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Demonstrative pronoun referring to a thing near the listener, or something previously mentioned. Forms the 'so' series..
On the other hand, あの人 (あのひと (ano hito)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "that" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "それ"
それはあなたの本ですか。
Is that your book?
Bilingual Context for "あの人"
あの人はだれですか。
Who is that person?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ はあなたの本ですか。" (Meaning: "Is that your book?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "それ" fits here because it means "that (thing near listener)" in the context of: "Is that your book?". "あの人" represents "that person; he; she".