Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "それ", "あちら", "例の", "即ち"
All represent the core concept "that", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
それ
それ (sore)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
あちら
あちら (achira)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
例の
れいの (reino)
C1 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
即ち
すなわち (sunawachi)
C1 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "that" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "それ", "あちら", "例の", "即ち" based on context.
- それ (それ (sore) - Level: N5): Maps to "that (thing near listener)" and is used when Demonstrative pronoun referring to a thing near the listener, or something previously mentioned. Forms the 'so' series..
- あちら (あちら (achira) - Level: N5): Maps to "that way, that place; that person (polite, far from both)" and is used when Polite equivalent of あれ.
- 例の (れいの (reino) - Level: C1): Maps to "that, the usual" and is used when Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus..
- 即ち (すなわち (sunawachi) - Level: C1): Maps to "that is, namely" and is used when Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus..
Context for "それ"
それはあなたの本ですか。
Is that your book?
Context for "あちら"
あちらの建物が博物館です。 / あちらの方が部長です。
That building over there is the museum. / That person over there is the department manager.
Context for "例の"
私は例のに興味があります。
I am interested in that, the usual.
Context for "即ち"
私は即ちに興味があります。
I am interested in that is, namely.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ はあなたの本ですか。" (Meaning: "Is that your book?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "それ" is correct here because it represents "that (thing near listener)" in the context: "Is that your book?".