synonym Comparative
今さら
VS
とどのつまり
Differences Between "今さら" and "とどのつまり"
Option A
今さら
Meaning
now (when it is already too late); at this late hour; (not) at all
Reading
いまさら (imasara)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
今さら後悔しても、もう遅い。
It's too late to regret it now.
Option B
とどのつまり
Meaning
after all; in the end; ultimately; when all is said and done
Reading
とどのつまり (todono-tsumari)
Syllabus Level
N1
Practical Example
色々考えてみたが、とどのつまり、今の仕事を続けるのが一番だと結論した。
I thought about various things, but ultimately, I concluded that continuing my current job was the best option.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(now (when it is already too late); at this late hour; (not) at all)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 今さら: Expresses a feeling of 'it's too late now' or 'what's the point now?', implying regret, futility, or a sense of being out of place. (「もう遅すぎる」「今となっては意味がない」という後悔や徒労感、あるいは場違い感を伴うニュアンスを持つ。)
- とどのつまり: Used to summarize or state the ultimate conclusion after considering various factors, often implying an unavoidable or somewhat negative outcome. 結局 (kekkyoku) is a close synonym but とどのつまり carries a stronger nuance of inevitability or finality after a complex process.
- 今さら: Expresses a feeling of 'it's too late now' or 'what's the point now?', implying regret, futility, or a sense of being out of place. (「もう遅すぎる」「今となっては意味がない」という後悔や徒労感、あるいは場違い感を伴うニュアンスを持つ。)
- とどのつまり: Used to summarize or state the ultimate conclusion after considering various factors, often implying an unavoidable or somewhat negative outcome. 結局 (kekkyoku) is a close synonym but とどのつまり carries a stronger nuance of inevitability or finality after a complex process.
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