Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "This" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "this", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
これ
これ (kore)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
今年
ことし (kotoshi)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "this" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between これ and 今年.
In Japanese, これ (これ (kore)) is typically associated with "this (thing near speaker)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Demonstrative pronoun referring to a thing near the speaker. Forms the 'ko' series of demonstratives..
On the other hand, 今年 (ことし (kotoshi)) maps to "this year" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Common term for the current year. Used frequently in conversations and writing.. A literal translation of "this" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "これ"
これは私のペンです。
This is my pen.
Bilingual Context for "今年"
今年は日本に行きます。
I will go to Japan this year.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ は私のペンです。" (Meaning: "This is my pen.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "これ" fits here because it means "this (thing near speaker)" in the context of: "This is my pen.". "今年" represents "this year".