Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "This" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "this", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
ことし
ことし (kotoshi)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
今ごろ
いまごろ (imagoro)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "this" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ことし and 今ごろ.
In Japanese, ことし (ことし (kotoshi)) is typically associated with "this year" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Refers to the current year. Often used as a noun indicating a specific time..
On the other hand, 今ごろ (いまごろ (imagoro)) maps to "about this time; around now; by now" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a time point that is 'around now' or 'around that time'. A literal translation of "this" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "ことし"
ことしは日本へ行きます。
I will go to Japan this year.
Bilingual Context for "今ごろ"
今ごろ彼は家に帰っているはずだ。
He should be home by now.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ は日本へ行きます。" (Meaning: "I will go to Japan this year.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ことし" fits here because it means "this year" in the context of: "I will go to Japan this year.". "今ごろ" represents "about this time; around now; by now".