Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Thus" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "thus", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
こうして
こうして (kōshite)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
斯く
かく (kaku)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "thus" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between こうして and 斯く.
In Japanese, こうして (こうして (kōshite)) is typically associated with "thus, in this way, like this" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to connect two sentences or clauses, indicating the manner or method by which something is done, or to show the result/consequence of a preceding action. It translates to 'in this way', 'thus', or 'by doing this'..
On the other hand, 斯く (かく (kaku)) maps to "thus, in this way, like this, such" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents A formal or slightly old-fashioned way of saying 「このように」 or 「こんなふうに」. Often seen in written language or very formal speech.. A literal translation of "thus" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "こうして"
彼は毎日練習した。こうして、ピアノが上手になった。
He practiced every day. In this way, he became good at the piano.
Bilingual Context for "斯く"
斯く言う私も、彼の意見には賛成しかねる。
Even I, who say thus, cannot quite agree with his opinion.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は毎日練習した。 ＿＿＿ 、ピアノが上手になった。" (Meaning: "He practiced every day. In this way, he became good at the piano.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "こうして" fits here because it means "thus, in this way, like this" in the context of: "He practiced every day. In this way, he became good at the piano.". "斯く" represents "thus, in this way, like this, such".