Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "This" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "this", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
今年
ことし (kotoshi)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
こちら
こちら (kochira)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "this" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 今年 and こちら.
In Japanese, 今年 (ことし (kotoshi)) is typically associated with "this year" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Common term for the current year. Used frequently in conversations and writing..
On the other hand, こちら (こちら (kochira)) maps to "this way, this place; this person (polite)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite equivalent of これ. A literal translation of "this" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "今年"
今年は日本に行きます。
I will go to Japan this year.
Bilingual Context for "こちら"
こちらへどうぞ。 / こちらが私の母です。
Please come this way. / This is my mother.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ は日本に行きます。" (Meaning: "I will go to Japan this year.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "今年" fits here because it means "this year" in the context of: "I will go to Japan this year.". "こちら" represents "this way, this place; this person (polite)".