Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "それ", "あれ", "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
あれ
あれ (are)
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", "あれ", "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..
- あれ (あれ (are) - Level: N5): Maps to "that (over there)" and is used when 指示詞の一つで、話し手からも聞き手からも遠いものや場所、あるいは以前に話題になったことを指すのに使います。主に名詞の代わりとして使われます。英語の "that" や "that one" に相当します。.
- 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 "あれ"
あれは私の傘です。
That (over there) is my umbrella.
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?".