Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "This" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "this", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
今回
こんかい (konkai)
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 今回 and 此岸.
In Japanese, 今回 (こんかい (konkai)) is typically associated with "this time" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the current occasion or instance, distinguishing it from previous or future occasions. Often used to set the context for a specific event or action..
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 "今回"
今回の試験は前回より難しかった。
This exam was more difficult than the last one.
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: " ＿＿＿ の試験は前回より難しかった。" (Meaning: "This exam was more difficult than the last one.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "今回" fits here because it means "this time" in the context of: "This exam was more difficult than the last one.". "此岸" represents "this shore, the mortal world".