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
斯様に
かように (kayō ni)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "this" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ことし and 斯様に.
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, 斯様に (かように (kayō ni)) maps to "in this way, such, thus (formal, archaic)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 「このように」と同じ意味だが、非常に硬い、あるいは古風な表現。主に書き言葉や、格式ばった話し言葉で用いられる。. 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 "斯様に"
斯様に重要な決定は、慎重に進めなければならない。
Such an important decision must be proceeded with caution.
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.". "斯様に" represents "in this way, such, thus (formal, archaic)".