Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "This" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "this", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
今ごろ
いまごろ (imagoro)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
此岸
しがん (shigan)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "this" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 今ごろ and 此岸.
In Japanese, 今ごろ (いまごろ (imagoro)) is typically associated with "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'.
On the other hand, 此岸 (しがん (shigan)) maps to "this shore, the mortal world" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "this" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "此岸"
私は此岸に興味があります。
I am interested in this shore, the mortal world.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 彼は家に帰っているはずだ。" (Meaning: "He should be home by now.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "今ごろ" fits here because it means "about this time; around now; by now" in the context of: "He should be home by now.". "此岸" represents "this shore, the mortal world".