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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

今朝

けさ (kesa)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "this" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 今年 and 今朝. 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, 今朝 (けさ (kesa)) maps to "this morning" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers specifically to the current morning. It is almost always used with past tense verbs to describe events that happened earlier in the day.. 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 "今朝"
今朝、早く起きました。
I woke up early this morning.

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.". "今朝" represents "this morning".