その
sono[so̞no̞]
The English phrase "the" can be translated into Japanese as その (sono).
その specifically refers to something that was previously mentioned in a conversation or something that is close to the listener.
Meaning: article (article)
Which one should you use?
In English, "the" is used for any specific object. In Japanese, その is more specific. If an object is far from both the speaker and the listener, you should use あの instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a pre-noun adjectival, その must always be followed immediately by a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
sono
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word その is not just a pointer for objects but also a vital conversational tool. It is frequently used as a filler word, similar to how an English speaker might say 'uh' or 'um' while thinking.
- While その is often translated as 'the' or 'that', it can be used to politely avoid naming something unpleasant or taboo by simply referring to it as 'that thing'.
- The word その is part of a three-way system called 'ko-so-a', which divides the world into things near the speaker, near the listener and far from both.
Examples in context
- その内訳は？Give me the details.This example shows how to use その to ask for details.Tatoeba #207402 by small_snow, translation #1491976 by Plangam
- その調子だ。That's the spirit.This example uses その to express encouragement.Tatoeba #207773 by bunbuku, translation #45027 by CM
- その調子だよ。That's the way.This example shows a slightly more casual way to use その when expressing that someone is on the right track.Tatoeba #207772 by bunbuku, translation #45025 by CK
- あの車The car over there
- このテレビThis TV
- あの店The store over there
- 2735 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are at a cafe looking at a book.
- 蓮 Renその本を貸してくれますか？Sono hon o kashite kuremasu ka?Can you lend me that book?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、いいですよ。Hai, ii desu yo.Yes, sure.
- 蓮 Renありがとう。その内容は面白そうです。Arigatou. Sono naiyou wa omoshirosou desu.Thank you. That content looks interesting.
- 美咲 Misaki本当に面白いですよ。Hontou ni omoshiroi desu yo.It really is interesting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “the” translations and entries その, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
