Translation and Meaning of: 即ち - sunawachi

If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, you may have come across the word 即ち[すなわち]. It appears in formal texts, speeches, and even in philosophical discussions, but its meaning is not always clear for those who are just starting. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and why it is so important to understand its context. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and useful explanations for those who want to master the language.

In other words, it is one of those words that do not have an exact translation into Portuguese but carries significant weight in Japanese communication. It functions as a logical connector, often introducing a conclusion or an equivalence between ideas. If you have read academic texts or watched lectures in Japanese, you have probably come across it being used to strengthen an argument. Let’s unravel its uses, origins, and even some tips for memorizing it effectively.

Meaning and usage of 即ち

即ち is a conjunction that can be roughly translated as "that is," "in other words," or "namely." It serves to explain, clarify, or reaffirm something that was said previously. For example, if someone says "彼は学者、即ち専門家だ" (Kare wa gakusha, sunawachi senmonka da), it means "He is a scholar, namely, an expert." The word helps to establish a direct relationship between the two concepts.

Unlike some more informal conjunctions, 即ち is more common in written contexts or formal speeches. You will hardly hear it in everyday conversations unless it is in a more elaborate debate or discussion. Precisely for this reason, it is often associated with academic, legal, and philosophical texts, where the precision of language is essential.

Origin and composition of kanji

The kanji 即 (SOKU) in 即ち has an interesting history. Originally, it represented the idea of "approaching" or "being close," derived from an ancient character that depicted a person bowing before an altar. Over time, this meaning evolved to convey notions of immediacy and equivalence, which explains its use in words like 即座 (sokuza - immediately) and 即時 (sokuji - instant).

The suffix ち (chi) in すなわち is not a separate kanji, but a particle that helps form adverbs and conjunctions in ancient Japanese. This combination creates a word that literally suggests something like "without delay" or "at the same instant," reinforcing the idea that what follows is a direct explanation of what was said before.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to fix 即ち is to associate it with situations where you need to explain or summarize an idea. Think of it as "that is to say," but with a more formal tone. If you're reading a complex text and see this word, it's a sign that the author will clarify or reinforce an important point. Writing it down in example sentences also helps to internalize its use.

Another tip is to pay attention to how 即ち appears in authentic materials, such as opinion articles or TED talks in Japanese. Notice that it is almost never used alone, but rather as a bridge between two parts of a reasoning. Avoid confusing it with words like つまり (tsumari), which also means "that is" but is more colloquial and common in everyday speech.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• すなわち (sunawachi) - that is; this means
• つまり (tsumari) - in other words; that is to say
• すなわちいうと (sunawachi iu to) - that is to say, it says
• 言い換えれば (iikaereba) - if we change the words; in other words
• 言い換えると (iikaeruto) - to rephrase; if we were to say it another way
• 言い換えればいうと (iikaereba iu to) - if, when swapping the words, we say
• 言い換えるというと (iikaeru to iu to) - if we talk about changing the words
• 言い換えるとすれば (iikaeru to sureba) - if we are going to swap the words, then
• 言い換えるとすればいうと (iikaeru to sureba iu to) - if we are going to swap the words, that is
• 言い換えるとすれば言えば (iikaeru to sureba ieba) - if we were to swap the words and say