Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "That" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "that", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
例の
れいの (reino)
C1 / 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 例の and 即ち.
In Japanese, 例の (れいの (reino)) is typically associated with "that, the usual" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus..
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 "例の"
私は例のに興味があります。
I am interested in that, the usual.
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: "私は ＿＿＿ に興味があります。" (Meaning: "I am interested in that, the usual.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "例の" fits here because it means "that, the usual" in the context of: "I am interested in that, the usual.". "即ち" represents "that is, namely".