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
あれ
あれ (are)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "that" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between それ and あれ.
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, あれ (あれ (are)) maps to "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。. 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 "あれ"
あれは私の傘です。
That (over there) is my umbrella.
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?". "あれ" represents "that (over there)".