Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "This" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "this", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
今週
こんしゅう (konshuu)
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 今週 and 此岸.
In Japanese, 今週 (こんしゅう (konshuu)) is typically associated with "this week" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Refers to the current week. Often used to talk about plans or events happening within the present week..
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 "今週"
今週の週末は映画を見に行きます。
I'm going to see a movie this weekend.
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: " ＿＿＿ の週末は映画を見に行きます。" (Meaning: "I'm going to see a movie this weekend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "今週" fits here because it means "this week" in the context of: "I'm going to see a movie this weekend.". "此岸" represents "this shore, the mortal world".