Translation and Meaning of: そんな - sonna

If you are learning Japanese, you have probably come across the word そんな in dialogues, songs, or animes. This expression, seemingly simple, carries important nuances in the language and can confuse beginners. In this article, we will explore its meaning, common uses, and how it fits into everyday communication in Japan. Additionally, we will look at practical tips for memorizing it and avoiding common mistakes.

The term そんな means "such" or "like that" in English.

The word そんな is a colloquial abbreviation of そのような, which means "of that kind," "like that," or "such." It is often used to refer to something mentioned earlier or to express surprise, denial, or doubt. For example, if someone says "そんなことないよ" (sonna koto nai yo), they are affirming "that's not the case" or "it's not like that."

An interesting detail is that そんな often carries an emotional weight. Depending on the context and intonation, it can convey disbelief ("Really?") or even disdain ("Oh, come on!"). Therefore, it's essential to pay attention not only to the word itself but also to the situation in which it appears.

How and when to use そんな in everyday life

In spoken Japanese, そんな often appears in quick responses and informal conversations. A common construction is to combine it with verbs like ない (nai – "to not exist") or 思わない (omowanai – "to not think"). For example: "そんな時間ない！" (Sonna jikan nai!) means "I don't have time for that!" – a useful phrase for declining unwanted invitations.

It is worth noting that, although it is a versatile word, そんな should not be used in formal contexts. In professional situations or when speaking with superiors, the more appropriate option is to use the full form そのような. This difference between language s is crucial to avoid blunders when interacting with Japanese people.

Tips for memorizing and not getting confused

An effective way to reinforce the meaning of そんな is to associate it with equivalent expressions in Portuguese that also vary according to intonation. Think about how we say "Ah, I see" – it can be agreement, irony, or even disinterest, depending on how we say it. This semantic flexibility is similar to what happens with the Japanese word.

Another practical tip is to observe the use of そんな in dialogues from animes or dramas. Series like "Shirokuma Café" or "Terrace House" provide authentic examples of how natives use this expression in real situations. Noting down phrases with context helps to internalize not just the meaning, but also the cultural nuances behind it.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• そのような (sonoyouna) - Such type; similar to this.
• あんな (anna) - That kind; similar to that.
• こんな (konna) - This type; similar to this, but close to the speaker.
• その様な (sonoyouna) - Same nuance as "そのような" but more formal.
• あのような (anoyouna) - Similar to that; formalized.
• こういう (kouiu) - Thus; this way, but emphasizing the present.
• そのように (sonoyouni) - In that way; following what was mentioned.
• あんなに (annani) - In such a way; level of intensity of that.
• こんなに (konnani) - In such a way; intensity close to the speaker.
• その様に (sonoyouni) - In the same way; more formal.
• あのように (anoyouni) - Like that; emphasizing the other.
• こうして (koushite) - In this way; emphasizing the current action.
• その通り (sonotouri) - Exactly like that; affirming what was said.
• こんな感じ (konna kanji) - This way; informal, referring to sensations.
• そのようす (sonoyousu) - This appearance refers to a state.
• あんな感じ (annakanji) - That feeling; referring to something mentioned.
• こんなようす (konnayousu) - This appearance; close to the speaker.
• その様子 (sonoyousu) - That appearance; more formal.
• あの様子 (anoyousu) - That appearance; referring to something specific.
• こんな様子 (konnayousu) - This appearance; informal and close to the speaker.
• そのようなもの (sonoyounamon) - Those things; such a type of object.
• あんなもの (annamon) - Those things; referring to distant objects.
• こんなもの (konnamon) - These things; referring to objects close to the speaker.