How To Say That In Japanese

How to Say That in Japanese: A Comprehensive Guide to Expressing Yourself

Learning a new language is a journey filled with exciting discoveries and occasional frustrating roadblocks. One of the most fundamental, yet surprisingly complex, aspects of mastering Japanese is understanding how to express the seemingly simple English word "that." Unlike English, Japanese doesn't have a single direct translation. The appropriate word depends heavily on context, including what "that" refers to (a thing, a person, an action, an idea), the grammatical function of "that" in the sentence, and the level of formality required. This comprehensive guide will unravel the complexities of expressing "that" in Japanese, equipping you with the tools to navigate this linguistic challenge with confidence.

Understanding the Nuances of "That" in English

Before diving into the Japanese equivalents, let's examine the multifaceted nature of "that" in English. It can act as:

• A demonstrative pronoun: Referring to a specific object, person, or idea ("That is a beautiful painting.").
• A demonstrative adjective: Modifying a noun ("That cat is fluffy.").
• A relative pronoun: Introducing a relative clause ("The book that I borrowed is overdue.").
• A conjunction: Introducing a subordinate clause ("I know that he is honest.").
• An adverb: Expressing a specific degree or extent ("The cake is that good!").

This variety highlights the significant challenge in finding a single, perfect translation in Japanese. We need to consider the specific role "that" plays in the English sentence to choose the most accurate and natural-sounding Japanese equivalent.

Key Japanese Words for "That"

Several Japanese words can translate to "that," each with its specific usage and connotations. Here are some of the most important ones:

1. それ (sore)

Sore is the most common and versatile word for "that." It's used to refer to something near the listener but not the speaker. It's the equivalent of "that" when pointing to something a little further away from the speaker, but within the listener's reach or immediate vicinity.

Example:

• English: That book is interesting.
• Japanese: その本はおもしろいです。(Sono hon wa omoshiroi desu.) (Note: "Sono" is the possessive form of "sore," modifying "hon" - book.)

2. あれ (are)

Are refers to something far from both the speaker and the listener. Think of it as "that over there."

Example:

• English: That mountain is majestic.
• Japanese: あの山は雄大です。(Ano yama wa yūdai desu.) (Note: "Ano" is the possessive form of "are," modifying "yama" - mountain.)

3. これ (kore)

Kore refers to something near the speaker. This is the equivalent of "this." While not directly translating to "that," understanding its usage helps clarify the distinction between "sore" and "are."

Example:

• English: This pen is mine.
• Japanese: このペンは私のものです。(Kono pen wa watashi no mono desu.)

4. それ、あれ、これ + の (no)

Adding "no" (の) after それ (sore), あれ (are), and これ (kore) creates possessive forms, meaning "that [noun]," "that [noun] over there," and "this [noun]," respectively. This is crucial for using these words as demonstrative adjectives.

Example:

• English: That red car is fast.
• Japanese: その赤い車は速いです。(Sono akai kuruma wa hayai desu.)

Beyond the Basics: Contextual Considerations

Mastering the use of "that" in Japanese extends beyond simply memorizing these words. Context plays a critical role in selecting the appropriate expression.

1. Referring to Actions and Ideas

When "that" refers to an action or an idea, other particles and grammatical structures come into play. For instance, "That's what I did" might be translated as:

• それがしました。(Sore o shimashita.) (literally: "That I did.") - Simple and direct.
• 私がそれをしました。(Watashi ga sore o shimashita.) (literally: "I did that.") - Emphasizing the "I"

For ideas, sentences might use こと (koto), meaning "thing" or "fact," or こと (koto) + a verb such as 思う (omou) meaning to think.

• English: That's what I think.
• Japanese: 私がそう思う。(Watashi ga sou omou.) or それが私の考えです。(Sore ga watashi no kangae desu.)

2. Using "That" in Relative Clauses

When "that" introduces a relative clause, you'll typically use relative pronouns like の (no) or which/that implied by the sentence structure:

• English: The book that I read was interesting.
• Japanese: 私が読んだ本はおもしろかった。(Watashi ga yonda hon wa omoshirokatta.) (Literally: "The book I read was interesting.")

3. Formal vs. Informal Language

The level of formality significantly influences the choice of words and sentence structure. While それ (sore), あれ (are), and これ (kore) are generally suitable for informal settings, more formal contexts might require different phrasing or the use of more polite verb conjugations.

4. Emphasis and Focus

The position of "that" within a sentence can subtly alter the emphasis. Japanese sentence structure offers flexibility in highlighting specific aspects, which often requires rephrasing the entire sentence, not just the word "that."

Advanced Techniques and Nuances

This section delves into more advanced aspects and provides examples to solidify your understanding.

1. Using the Particle "は" (wa)

The particle "wa" (は) marks the topic of the sentence. Using "sore wa" (それは), "are wa" (あれは), or "kore wa" (これは) sets the "that" as the topic under discussion.

2. Using "Such That" and Similar Constructions

Expressing the nuances of "such that" requires carefully considering the meaning and using particles such as ほど (hodo) (to the extent that), くらい (kurai) (to the extent that), or ように (youni) (in such a way that).

3. Idiomatic Expressions

Japanese utilizes numerous idiomatic expressions where a direct translation of "that" wouldn't be natural. Learning common phrases and idioms significantly enhances your fluency and ability to express yourself accurately.

4. Contextual Examples:

Let's look at some diverse examples illustrating the various ways to express "that" in Japanese, emphasizing the context-dependent nature of translation.

• English: That's a good idea. Japanese: それはいい考えですね。(Sore wa ii kangae desu ne.) (Polite)
• English: I heard that he is coming. Japanese: 彼は来るって聞いた。(Kare wa kuru tte kiita.) (Informal, using reported speech)
• English: That's what she said. Japanese: 彼女がそう言った。(Kanojo ga sou itta.) (Simple and direct)
• English: The dress that I bought is beautiful. Japanese: 私が買ったドレスは綺麗です。(Watashi ga katta doresu wa kirei desu.) (Focus on the dress)
• English: That's too much. Japanese: それは多すぎます。(Sore wa oosugimasu.) (Formal) or それ、多すぎ！(Sore, oosugi!) (Informal)

Practice and Resources

The key to mastering the use of "that" in Japanese is consistent practice. Immerse yourself in the language through reading, listening, and speaking. Engage in conversations with native speakers, and don't hesitate to ask for clarification. Numerous online resources, including language learning apps and websites, offer interactive exercises and lessons focused on grammar and vocabulary.

Conclusion

While seemingly straightforward, translating "that" into Japanese requires a nuanced understanding of its grammatical function and the context in which it's used. By familiarizing yourself with the various words and sentence structures presented in this guide, you can effectively express the subtle distinctions and nuances of "that" in Japanese. Remember, consistent practice and immersion in the language are crucial for developing fluency and confidence in your communication skills. With dedication and persistence, you will successfully navigate the complexities of this seemingly simple yet significant word.