Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "This" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "this", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
今月
こんげつ (kongetsu)
N5 / 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 今月 and 此岸.
In Japanese, 今月 (こんげつ (kongetsu)) is typically associated with "this month" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Refers to the current month. Used for plans or events occurring within the present month..
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 "今月"
今月は私の誕生日があります。
My birthday is this month.
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: " ＿＿＿ は私の誕生日があります。" (Meaning: "My birthday is this month.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "今月" fits here because it means "this month" in the context of: "My birthday is this month.". "此岸" represents "this shore, the mortal world".