When learning a new language, understanding how to express various concepts is essential. In this guide, we will explore different ways to say “except” in Japanese. Whether you’re aiming for a formal or informal conversation, we’ll provide you with the necessary tips and examples. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways
When engaging in formal conversations or writing, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are some formal ways to express “except” in Japanese:
1. 以外 (igai)
The most common term used for “except” in formal Japanese is “以外” (igai). It is a versatile term used in various contexts. Let’s see some examples:
- 私（わたし）以外（いがい）の人（ひと）が参加（さんか）しました。
- 犬（いぬ）以外（いがい）の動物（どうぶつ）が好（す）きです。
2. を除（のぞ）いて (wo nozoite)
Another formal way to express “except” is by using the phrase “を除（のぞ）いて” (wo nozoite). This phrase is commonly used when excluding certain items or individuals. Take a look at these examples:
- 火曜日（かようび）を除（のぞ）いて毎日（まいにち）勉強（べんきょう）します。
- 全員（ぜんいん）を除（のぞ）いて出席（しゅっせき）しました。
Informal Ways
Informal conversations allow for more flexibility and casual expressions. Here are some informal ways to say “except” in Japanese:
1. 以外に (igai ni)
“以外に” (igai ni) is a colloquial expression used to mean “except.” It is commonly used in informal Japanese conversations. Here are a few examples:
- 友達（ともだち）以外に誰（だれ）も知（し）らなかった。
- 昨日（きのう）のリストは全部（ぜんぶ）売（う）れた、一冊（いっさつ）以外に。
2. 除外（じょがい）する (jogai suru)
In informal Japanese, you can also use the verb “除外（じょがい）する” (jogai suru) to express “to exclude.” This verb gives a strong sense of excluding or leaving out something or someone. Let’s see some examples:
- 彼（かれ）はグループから除外（じょがい）されました。
- 飛行機（ひこうき）のチケットを除外（じょがい）してもらいました。
Regional Variations
Japanese has various dialects and regional variations across the country. Though the fundamental expressions are similar, there might be slight differences in certain regions. Here’s one example:
1. を抜（ぬ）きに (wo nuki ni)
In the Kansai region, instead of using “を除（のぞ）いて,” people often say “を抜（ぬ）きに” (wo nuki ni) to mean “except.” Here are a few sentences:
- 学生（がくせい）を抜（ぬ）きにして、全員（ぜんいん）集合（しゅうごう）してください。
- 水（みず）を抜（ぬ）きにして、カレールウを入（い）れてください。
Summary
In summary, when you want to express “except” in Japanese, you have different options depending on the level of formality you’re aiming for. In formal settings, “以外” (igai) and “を除（のぞ）いて” (wo nozoite) are commonly used. For informal conversations, “以外に” (igai ni) and “除外（じょがい）する” (jogai suru) can be your go-to expressions. Keep in mind that variations exist among regional dialects, such as “を抜（ぬ）きに” (wo nuki ni) in the Kansai region.
Don’t be afraid to practice using these expressions in your conversations to become more comfortable with them. Remember that language learning is a journey, so enjoy the process and embrace the opportunities to improve. Best of luck with your Japanese language adventures!
