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
今月
こんげつ (kongetsu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "this" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between これ and 今月.
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, 今月 (こんげつ (kongetsu)) maps to "this month" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Refers to the current month. Used for plans or events occurring within the present month.. 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 "今月"
今月は私の誕生日があります。
My birthday is this month.
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.". "今月" represents "this month".