Japanese is a widely spoken language known for its rich vocabulary and nuanced expressions. One essential word that often comes up in conversations is “also.” Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate learner of Japanese, knowing how to use “also” correctly can greatly enhance your communication skills. In this article, we will guide you through the various ways to say “also” in Japanese, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of its usage and helping you expand your vocabulary in the process. So, let’s delve into the world of Japanese language and discover the multitude of ways to express “also” in this fascinating language.
Basic Translation of ‘Also’
When learning a new language, it is essential to familiarize yourself with common words and phrases. One important word to learn in Japanese is ‘also,’ as it allows you to express additional information and add depth to your conversations. In this section, we will explore the basic translation of ‘also’ in Japanese and its primary usage.
A. Explanation of the basic translation of ‘also’ in Japanese
The word ‘also’ can be translated as ‘mata’ in Japanese. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts and situations. Learning how to properly use ‘mata’ will greatly enhance your ability to express yourself effectively in Japanese.
B. Demonstrating the primary usage of the word
‘Mata’ is primarily used to indicate that something is in addition to what has already been mentioned or done. It is commonly used to express agreement or concurrence. For example:
1. 私はりんごが好きです。また、オレンジも好きです。
Translation: “I like apples. Also, I like oranges.”
In the above example, ‘mata’ is used to indicate that the speaker not only likes apples but also likes oranges.
2. 彼は一緒に映画を見に行きたかったです。また、友達も誘いたかったです。
Translation: “He wanted to go to the movies together. Also, he wanted to invite his friends.”
Here, ‘mata’ is used to express the speaker’s desire to invite friends in addition to going to the movies together.
By using ‘mata’ appropriately, you can convey additional information or express agreement seamlessly in your Japanese conversations. Practice using ‘mata’ in different sentences to become more comfortable with its usage.
ICommon Usage of ‘Also’
In everyday conversation, the word ‘also’ is often used in various situations to add additional information or emphasize a point. Understanding the common usage of ‘also’ in Japanese can greatly enhance your language skills. Let’s explore some of these situations and examples of sentences using ‘also’ in Japanese.
A. Overview of different situations where ‘also’ is used in everyday conversation
In Japanese, ‘also’ is commonly used when expressing agreement or similarity. It can be used to show that the subject of the sentence shares a characteristic or action with another person or thing. Furthermore, ‘also’ is often used when adding extra information to a previous statement or when listing multiple items or ideas.
B. Examples of sentences using ‘also’ in Japanese
1. 私も行きます。(Watashi mo ikimasu) – I will also go.
In this example, ‘also’ is used to express that the speaker will go as well, similar to others.
2. 彼もその映画を見た。(Kare mo sono eiga o mita) – He also watched that movie.
Here, ‘also’ is used to indicate that the subject, ‘he,’ has watched the same movie as someone else.
3. 私はりんごもりすも食べます。(Watashi wa ringo mo risu mo tabemasu) – I eat both apples and rice.
In this case, ‘also’ is used to list multiple items that the speaker consumes.
4. 彼は日本語も英語も話せます。(Kare wa nihongo mo eigo mo hanasemasu) – He can speak both Japanese and English.
‘Also’ is used here to show that the subject can speak both Japanese and English, emphasizing his language abilities.
Understanding the common usage of ‘also’ in Japanese allows for more nuanced and effective communication. By incorporating ‘also’ into your vocabulary, you can express agreement, similarity, addition, and more in a clear and concise manner.
Learning how to say ‘also’ in Japanese opens up opportunities for expanded expression and improves your overall language skills. In the next sections, we will explore different words that can be used as equivalents to ‘also’ in Japanese, further expanding your vocabulary and language abilities.
‘Also’ as ‘Mata’
Explanation of the word ‘mata’ as an equivalent to ‘also’
In Japanese, the word ‘also’ can be translated as ‘mata’. ‘Mata’ is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to convey the meaning of ‘also’ or ‘in addition’.
The word ‘mata’ is commonly used to express the idea of ‘also’ when adding more information or including something additional to a previous statement. It can be used to connect two related thoughts or to introduce another item into a list.
Different contexts in which ‘mata’ can be used
One common usage of ‘mata’ is when expressing agreement or similarity with someone else’s statement or opinion. For example, if someone says “Watashi mo sushi ga suki desu” (I also like sushi), you can respond by saying “Watashi mo” (Me too) to convey the agreement.
Another context in which ‘mata’ can be used is when talking about future plans or actions. For instance, if you want to say “I will also go to the party”, you can say “Watashi mo party ni ikimasu” where ‘mo’ is used to mean ‘also’ and ‘ikimasu’ means ‘to go’.
Additionally, ‘mata’ can be used to add emphasis or reinforce a point. For example, if you want to say “Not only did I study Japanese, but I also studied Korean”, you can say “Nihongo mo benkyoushimashita. Mata, kankokugo mo benkyoushimashita” where ‘mata’ is used to add emphasis to the fact that you studied Korean as well.
It’s important to note that ‘mata’ is a less formal word compared to other ways of saying ‘also’, making it suitable for everyday conversations and informal settings.
In conclusion, ‘mata’ is a versatile word that can be used to convey the meaning of ‘also’ in various contexts. Whether expressing agreement, talking about future plans, or adding emphasis, ‘mata’ is a useful word to expand your vocabulary and improve your Japanese language skills.
‘Also’ as ‘Yoku’
In this section, we will explore another way to say ‘also’ in Japanese, which is ‘yoku’. ‘Yoku’ is a versatile word that can be used to express ‘also’ in various scenarios.
Explanation of ‘yoku’ as another way to say ‘also’
‘Yoku’ is an adverb in Japanese that means ‘often’ or ‘frequently’. However, it can also be used to convey the meaning of ‘also’. When used in this context, ‘yoku’ emphasizes that something is in addition to something else.
For example, if you want to say ‘I also like sushi’, you can say ‘Watashi wa sushi mo yoku suki desu’. In this sentence, ‘yoku’ emphasizes that the liking of sushi is in addition to liking something else.
Examples of sentences using ‘yoku’ in different scenarios
Here are a few more examples of sentences using ‘yoku’ to express ‘also’ in different situations:
- ‘Watashi wa eiga o yoku mimasu.’ – ‘I often watch movies, and I also like them.’
- ‘Kare wa jikan ga nai node yoru ni yoku tabemasu.’ – ‘He often has no time, so he also eats at night.’
- ‘Tomodachi to yoku asonde, benkyou mo shimasu.’ – ‘I often play with friends, and I also study.’
As you can see from these examples, ‘yoku’ adds the meaning of ‘also’ in addition to expressing frequency. It is a flexible word that allows you to convey multiple ideas in one sentence.
It is important to note that ‘yoku’ is commonly used in spoken Japanese and may not be as formal as other ways to say ‘also’. Therefore, it is more suitable for casual conversations or informal situations.
Now that you have a better understanding of ‘yoku’ as another way to say ‘also’ in Japanese, you can start incorporating it into your conversations and expand your vocabulary.
‘Also’ as ‘Shikashi’
Discussion on the word ‘shikashi’ and its usage as ‘also’
In Japanese, the word ‘shikashi’ can also be used to convey ‘also’ in certain contexts. However, it is important to note that ‘shikashi’ is primarily used to mean ‘but’ or ‘however’. Nonetheless, it can be used in a way that implies ‘also’ in a sentence.
Examples of sentences using ‘shikashi’ to convey ‘also’
1. 私はスポーツが好きです。しかし、音楽も好きです。
(Watashi wa supōtsu ga suki desu. Shikashi, ongaku mo suki desu.)
Translation: I like sports. However, I also like music.
2. 彼は忙しいですが、仕事もしっかりとやります。
(Kare wa isogashii desu ga, shigoto mo shikkari to yarimasu.)
Translation: He is busy. However, he also does his work diligently.
3. 私は日本料理が得意です。しかし、イタリア料理も作れます。
(Watashi wa nihon ryōri ga tokui desu. Shikashi, itaria ryōri mo tsukuremasu.)
Translation: I am good at Japanese cuisine. However, I can also cook Italian food.
It is important to use ‘shikashi’ appropriately and in the right context. While it can convey ‘also’, it is primarily used to express contrast or contradiction. As a learner of Japanese, it is crucial to pay attention to subtle nuances and use the word ‘shikashi’ cautiously when trying to convey ‘also’.
‘Also’ as ‘Soreni’
Explanation of ‘soreni’ as a slightly more formal way to say ‘also’
In Japanese, the word ‘soreni’ is used as a slightly more formal way to express ‘also’. It is commonly used in written language and formal speech to convey the meaning of ‘in addition’ or ‘furthermore’. ‘Soreni’ is composed of two words, ‘sore’ meaning ‘that’ and ‘ni’ meaning ‘in’.
Demonstrating sentences where ‘soreni’ is used appropriately
To understand the usage of ‘soreni’ as ‘also’, let’s take a look at some examples:
1. 私は英語が話せます。それに、フランス語も話せます。
(Watashi wa eigo ga hanasemasu. Soreni, furansugo mo hanasemasu.)
I can speak English. Also, I can speak French.
2. 彼は優れたリーダーです。それに、素晴らしいチームプレーヤーでもあります。
(Kare wa sugureta riidaa desu. Soreni, subarashii chiimu pureeyaa de arimasu.)
He is an excellent leader. Furthermore, he is a great team player.
3. 日本の伝統文化は魅力的です。それに、現代のテクノロジーも素晴らしいです。
(Nihon no dentou bunka wa miryokuteki desu. Soreni, gendai no tekunorojii mo subarashii desu.)
Japanese traditional culture is fascinating. Additionally, modern technology is also amazing.
As seen in these examples, ‘soreni’ is used to add information or emphasize another point in a slightly more formal manner. It is particularly effective in formal writing, presentations, or any situation where a higher level of politeness is required.
By using ‘soreni’, you can elevate the level of your Japanese language to sound more sophisticated and polite. However, it’s important to note that ‘soreni’ may sound a bit stiff or formal in casual conversations. In such situations, it’s better to opt for other alternatives like ‘mata’ or ‘yoku’ to convey the meaning of ‘also’.
In conclusion, ‘soreni’ is a valuable word to add to your Japanese vocabulary when you want to express ‘also’ in a more formal setting. Understanding the nuances and appropriate usage of ‘soreni’ will help you communicate more effectively and demonstrate your command of the language.
‘Also’ as ‘Soshite’
Discussion on ‘soshite’ and its usage as ‘also’
In Japanese, the word ‘soshite’ can be used to convey the meaning of ‘also’ in certain contexts. While its primary translation is ‘and’ or ‘then’, ‘soshite’ can also be utilized to express ‘also’ in specific situations.
The word ‘soshite’ is commonly used to connect two independent clauses and is often used to indicate a sequence of events or thoughts. In this context, ‘soshite’ takes on the meaning of ‘also’ as it adds additional information to the previous statement.
Examples of sentences using ‘soshite’ in a variety of contexts
Here are a few examples to illustrate the usage of ‘soshite’ as ‘also’:
1. 私は映画館へ行きました。そして、レストランへも行きました。
(Watashi wa eigakan e ikimashita. Soshite, resutoran e mo ikimashita.)
Translation: I went to the movie theater. And also, I went to the restaurant.
In this example, ‘soshite’ is used to connect two separate actions, indicating that the speaker went to both the movie theater and the restaurant.
2. 彼は日本語を勉強しました。そして、英語も勉強しました。
(Kare wa nihongo o benkyou shimashita. Soshite, eigo mo benkyou shimashita.)
Translation: He studied Japanese. And also, he studied English.
In this sentence, ‘soshite’ is used to show that the person studied both Japanese and English, indicating that ‘also’ can be used to convey the idea of studying multiple subjects.
3. 私は昨日本を訪れました。そして、今日も訪れます。
(Watashi wa kinou nihon o otozuremashita. Soshite, kyou mo otozuremasu.)
Translation: I visited Japan yesterday. And also, I will visit today.
In this example, ‘soshite’ is used to connect the speaker’s visits to Japan on two different days, emphasizing the continuation of their actions.
Overall, ‘soshite’ can be a useful word to express ‘also’ in Japanese, especially when connecting two independent clauses or indicating a sequence of events. By incorporating ‘soshite’ into your vocabulary, you can add variety and depth to your Japanese conversations.
‘Also’ as ‘Mata Hoka’
Exploring ‘mata hoka’ as a combination of words to express ‘also’
In Japanese, there are various ways to express the word ‘also’. One such combination of words is ‘mata hoka’. When used together, ‘mata hoka’ conveys the meaning of ‘also’ in a slightly different way compared to other options.
‘Mata hoka’ can be broken down into two parts: ‘mata’ and ‘hoka’. ‘Mata’ is a common word that means ‘again’ or ‘also’. It is often used to indicate that something is done repeatedly or in addition to something else. On the other hand, ‘hoka’ translates to ‘other’ or ‘different’. It is used to express that there are additional options or alternatives.
When combined, ‘mata hoka’ suggests that there are other things or options, in addition to what has been mentioned before, which are also relevant to the conversation or situation. It implies that there is more to consider or include.
Providing examples where ‘mata hoka’ is appropriate
To illustrate the usage of ‘mata hoka’, here are a few examples of sentences where it can be appropriately used:
1. 私はりんごが好きです。マンゴーもまた他に食べられます。
(Watashi wa ringo ga suki desu. Mango mo mata hoka ni taberaremasu.)
Translation: I like apples. I can also eat mangoes, among other things.
2. 彼はコーヒーが好きです。紅茶もまた他に好きです。
(Kare wa koohii ga suki desu. Koucha mo mata hoka ni suki desu.)
Translation: He likes coffee. He also likes tea, and other things too.
3. 私はスポーツが好きです。バスケットボールもまた他にやります。
(Watashi wa supootsu ga suki desu. Basukettobooru mo mata hoka ni yarimasu.)
Translation: I like sports. I also play basketball, among other things.
These examples demonstrate how ‘mata hoka’ is used to convey the meaning of ‘also’ in Japanese. It emphasizes that there are additional options or actions beyond what has already been mentioned.
By familiarizing yourself with ‘mata hoka’ as another way to express ‘also’ in Japanese, you can expand your vocabulary and effectively communicate in various situations. Remember, language is a tool for expression, and having a wide range of vocabulary allows you to convey your thoughts and ideas more precisely.
‘Also’ as ‘Tada’
Explanation of ‘tada’ as a casual way to say ‘also’
In Japanese, the word ‘also’ can be expressed in various ways depending on the context and level of formality. One casual way to convey ‘also’ in Japanese is by using the word ‘tada’. ‘Tada’ is a versatile word that can be used to express ‘also’, ‘just’, or ‘simply’, depending on the situation.
The word ‘tada’ is often used in casual conversations among friends, colleagues, or family members. It is important to note that ‘tada’ is considered informal and may not be suitable for formal or professional settings.
Demonstrating sentences using ‘tada’ to convey ‘also’
Here are a few examples of how ‘tada’ can be used to express ‘also’ in different contexts:
1. 私は映画が好きです。そして、テレビを見るのも好きです。
(Watashi wa eiga ga suki desu. Soshite, terebi o miru no mo suki desu.)
Translation: “I like movies. Also, I like watching TV.”
2. 彼はピアノが上手です。私もピアノが上手になりたいです。
(Kare wa piano ga jouzu desu. Watashi mo piano ga jouzu ni naritai desu.)
Translation: “He is good at playing the piano. I also want to become good at playing the piano.”
3. 彼女は美味しい料理を作ることができます。私も料理が得意です。
(Kanojo wa oishii ryouri o tsukuru koto ga dekimasu. Watashi mo ryouri ga tokui desu.)
Translation: “She can make delicious food. I am also good at cooking.”
As seen in these examples, ‘tada’ is used to add an additional element to a statement, indicating that the speaker shares a similar experience or feeling. It emphasizes the connection and similarity between the speaker and the subject being discussed.
In conclusion, ‘tada’ is a casual way to express ‘also’ in Japanese conversations. It is important to keep in mind the level of formality when using ‘tada’, as it is not appropriate for formal or professional settings. By expanding your vocabulary to include words like ‘tada’, you can effectively communicate your thoughts and ideas in various social contexts.
‘Also’ as ‘Naisho’
Discussion on ‘naisho’ and its meaning as ‘also’
In this section, we will explore the Japanese word ‘naisho’ and its usage as a way to express ‘also.’ ‘Naisho’ is a versatile word that can have various meanings depending on the context. One of its meanings is ‘also,’ making it a useful word to expand your vocabulary in Japanese.
‘Naisho’ is often used in informal settings and casual conversations, making it a popular choice for expressing ‘also’ among native speakers. It adds a sense of agreement or affirmation to a statement, similar to how ‘also’ functions in English. However, it’s important to note that ‘naisho’ is not suitable for formal situations.
Examples of sentences incorporating ‘naisho’ to express ‘also’
To better understand how ‘naisho’ is used to convey ‘also,’ let’s look at some examples:
1. Watashi mo naisho sushi ga suki desu.
(I also secretly like sushi.)
2. Atarashii eiga o mita koto ga arimasu ka? – Hai, watashi mo naisho mimashita.
(Have you seen the new movie? – Yes, I also secretly watched it.)
3. Tomodachi to issho ni ryokou ni itta koto ga arimasu ka? – Hai, watashi mo naisho itta koto ga arimasu.
(Have you ever been on a trip with friends? – Yes, I also secretly went on a trip.)
These examples demonstrate how ‘naisho’ can be used to imply agreement or similarity, indicating an ‘also’ component in the sentence. It adds a layer of personal connection or shared experience to the conversation.
It’s essential to note that ‘naisho’ is typically used in spoken language rather than formal writing. Using it in formal settings can be seen as too casual or improper. However, in casual conversations with friends or peers, incorporating ‘naisho’ appropriately can help you express ‘also’ in a more natural and nuanced manner.
Overall, ‘naisho’ is a useful addition to your vocabulary when it comes to expressing ‘also’ in Japanese. Familiarizing yourself with its usage and practicing it in appropriate settings will enhance your language skills and make your conversations more engaging and relatable.
‘Also’ as ‘Mo’
In Japanese, there are several ways to express the concept of ‘also’, and one of the most common ways is by using the word ‘mo’. Let’s explore the usage of ‘mo’ as ‘also’ and see how it can be incorporated into different sentence structures.
Explanation of ‘mo’ as another common way to say ‘also’
The word ‘mo’ can be used to mean ‘also’ in Japanese. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to convey the idea of ‘also’ or ‘too’. However, it is important to note that the placement of ‘mo’ in a sentence can differ depending on the sentence structure.
For example, if you want to say “I also like sushi”, you can say “Watashi mo sushi ga suki desu.” Here, ‘mo’ is placed after the subject ‘watashi’ to indicate that the speaker also shares the same liking for sushi.
Showing different sentence structures using ‘mo’ to convey ‘also’
Apart from being placed after the subject, ‘mo’ can also be used in other sentence structures. It can be placed after a noun or verb to indicate that something or someone else has the same characteristic or action.
For instance, if you want to say “She also sings well”, you can say “Kanojo mo yoku utaimasu.” Here, ‘mo’ follows the noun ‘kanojo’ to indicate that she possesses the same skill of singing well.
Similarly, if you want to say “They also went to the park”, you can say “Kare-ra mo kōen ni ikimashita.” In this case, ‘mo’ follows the plural pronoun ‘kare-ra’ to indicate that they, too, performed the action of going to the park.
In addition to these sentence structures, ‘mo’ can also be combined with other words to convey different nuances. This will be further explored in the subsequent section.
Overall, ‘mo’ is an essential word to know when learning how to say ‘also’ in Japanese. It can be used in various sentence structures to indicate that something or someone else shares the same characteristic or action. By understanding and practicing the usage of ‘mo’, you can enhance your ability to express ‘also’ in Japanese conversation.
Conclusion
Recap of the different ways to say ‘also’ in Japanese
In this guide, we have explored various ways to say ‘also’ in Japanese. Learning these different expressions will enhance your ability to express yourself and understand others in conversations. Here is a recap of the different words and phrases discussed:
1. ‘Mata’: This word is equivalent to ‘also’ and is commonly used in everyday conversations. It can be used to add additional information or to emphasize a point.
2. ‘Yoku’: Another way to say ‘also’ is ‘yoku.’ It is often used to express similarity or agreement in a more casual manner.
3. ‘Shikashi’: ‘Shikashi’ is a word that can be used to convey ‘also.’ It is typically used to contrast two ideas or statements, adding an additional point to the conversation.
4. ‘Soreni’: ‘Soreni’ can be used as a slightly more formal way to say ‘also.’ It is often used in written communication or in more formal spoken situations.
5. ‘Soshite’: ‘Soshite’ is another option to express ‘also’ in Japanese. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, conveying an additional aspect or detail.
6. ‘Mata Hoka’: ‘Mata hoka’ is a combination of words often used to express ‘also.’ It adds a sense of ‘in addition to’ or ‘besides’ to a statement.
7. ‘Tada’: ‘Tada’ is a casual way to say ‘also,’ often used among friends or in informal settings.
8. ‘Naisho’: ‘Naisho’ can also be used to convey ‘also.’ It has a slight nuance of secrecy or exclusivity, implying that the information is known only to a certain group.
9. ‘Mo’: ‘Mo’ is another common way to say ‘also’ in Japanese. It can be used to add information or to indicate that a previous statement also applies to another subject.
Final thoughts on the importance of expanding vocabulary to improve language skills
Expanding your vocabulary is crucial to improving your language skills in any foreign language, including Japanese. Learning words and phrases like ‘also’ allows you to express your thoughts more accurately and fluidly, as well as understand others more comprehensively.
Having a wide range of vocabulary also helps you to better comprehend written texts, engage in meaningful conversations, and immerse yourself in the culture of the language. Additionally, it enables you to gradually understand more complex grammar structures and navigate different social situations with ease.
To continue expanding your vocabulary, it is recommended to practice regularly through reading, listening, and speaking activities. You can read Japanese texts, watch Japanese movies or dramas, listen to Japanese podcasts or music, and engage in conversations with native Japanese speakers or language exchange partners.
Remember that language learning is a gradual process, and it is important to be patient with yourself. Keep practicing and exposing yourself to the language, and soon you will find yourself using expressions like ‘also’ effortlessly in your Japanese conversations.