Learning how to express the concept of “other” in Japanese can be quite useful in daily conversations. Whether you want to refer to something different, additional, or someone else, understanding the various ways to convey this idea will greatly enhance your communication skills. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to express “other” in Japanese, along with some tips, examples, and a closer look at regional variations where necessary.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Other”
In formal situations or when addressing someone of higher status, it’s important to use polite language. Here are a few ways to express “other” formally in Japanese:
1.1 別の (べつの / betsu no)
The most common way to say “other” in formal Japanese is by using the word 別の (べつの / betsu no). This term emphasizes “a different one” or “another.” Let’s look at some examples:
Example 1:
別の方法を試してみましょう。
(Betsu no hōhō o tameshite mimashō.)
Let’s try another method.
Example 2:
異なる視点から別の解釈を考えましょう。
(Kotonaru shiten kara betsu no kaishaku o kangaemashō.)
Let’s consider another interpretation from a different perspective.
Remember to use 別の (べつの / betsu no) when expressing “other” politely in formal contexts.
2. Informal Ways to Say “Other”
When conversing with peers, friends, or family members, using informal language is more appropriate. Here are a couple of ways to say “other” informally in Japanese:
2.1 他の (ほかの / hoka no)
In casual conversations, 他の (ほかの / hoka no) is commonly used to mean “other.” This term is less formal than 別の (べつの / betsu no) and can be employed in various contexts, as shown in the examples below:
Example 1:
他の店でも同じ商品が買えます。
(Hoka no mise de mo onaji shōhin ga kaemasu.)
You can buy the same product at other stores too.
Example 2:
ここには他の選択肢がありません。
(Koko ni wa hoka no sentakushi ga arimasen.)
There are no other options here.
Keep in mind that 他の (ほかの / hoka no) is more suitable for informal conversations and should be avoided in formal situations.
3. Regional Variations
Japanese dialects exhibit some regional variations when it comes to expressing “other.” Let’s explore a couple of examples:
3.1 他様 (たよう / tayō)
The Kansai dialect often utilizes 他様 (たよう / tayō) to mean “other” or “different.” This expression carries a similar meaning to 別の (べつの / betsu no) in standard Japanese. Here’s an example:
Example:
あの人は他様な考え方を持っています。
(Ano hito wa tayō na kangaekata o motte imasu.)
That person has a different way of thinking.
3.2 べた (beta)
In the Tohoku region, specifically in the Miyagi dialect, べた (beta) is used to mean “other” or “another.” Although not commonly heard in standard Japanese, it adds a unique touch to the language. Take a look at the example below:
Example:
この本はべたの話を読むとおもしろいよ。
(Kono hon wa beta no hanashi o yomu to omoshiroi yo.)
This book is interesting when you read other stories in it.
It’s worth noting that these regional variations may not be widely understood by everyone, so it’s advisable to use standard Japanese when communicating outside of those specific regions.
Conclusion
Being able to express “other” in Japanese, both formally and informally, is essential for effective communication. Remember to use 別の (べつの / betsu no) in formal situations, 他の (ほかの / hoka no) in informal conversations, and be aware of regional variations like 他様 (たよう / tayō) and べた (beta). Incorporate these terms into your Japanese vocabulary and practice using them in various contexts for better fluency. Now you have the tools to express the concept of “other” confidently in Japanese!
