すなわち
Namely
Use it to provide a precise definition or conclusion in formal settings.
En 15 secondes
- A formal way to say 'namely' or 'in other words.'
- Acts like a logical equals sign between two ideas.
- Best suited for business, academic, or highly serious contexts.
Signification
It's like an equals sign in a sentence. You use it to say 'in other words' or 'that is to say' when you want to clarify a point with more precision.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6In a business strategy meeting
我々の目的は売上の向上、すなわち市場シェアの拡大です。
Our goal is increasing sales, namely, expanding our market share.
Explaining a scientific concept
水はH2O、すなわち水素と酸素から構成されています。
Water is H2O, that is to say, it consists of hydrogen and oxygen.
A teacher explaining a deadline
提出期限は明日、すなわち三月十日です。
The deadline is tomorrow, namely, March 10th.
Contexte culturel
The phrase comes from the classical Japanese 'sunawachi,' which originally meant 'immediately' or 'thereupon.' Over centuries, it evolved from a temporal marker to a logical one. It is a staple of 'ronsetsubun' (argumentative writing) that Japanese students practice extensively in school.
The 'Equals' Trick
If you can replace the phrase with an equals sign (=) and the sentence still makes sense, `すなわち` is likely the right choice.
Don't Overdo It
Using this phrase too often in one conversation makes you sound like a textbook. Save it for your most important point.
En 15 secondes
- A formal way to say 'namely' or 'in other words.'
- Acts like a logical equals sign between two ideas.
- Best suited for business, academic, or highly serious contexts.
What It Means
Think of すなわち as a logical bridge. It connects two ideas that are essentially the same. You state something broad, then use this phrase to get specific. It is the verbal equivalent of an '=' sign. It tells your listener, 'Here is the exact definition of what I just said.' It feels very decisive and clear. It’s like zooming in on a map to see the street name.
How To Use It
You usually place すなわち right between two nouns or two full thoughts. It functions as a conjunction. For example, 'The capital of Japan, すなわち Tokyo.' It doesn't change the grammar of the words around it. It just sits there and looks smart. You’ll see it a lot in books and news reports. It acts as a signal that a conclusion is coming. Use it when you want to sound authoritative and organized.
When To Use It
This is your go-to for business presentations or academic writing. If you are explaining a complex strategy to your boss, use it. If you are writing a thesis, it’s your best friend. It’s perfect for defining terms during a meeting. You might also use it in a serious speech, like a wedding toast. It adds a layer of intellectual weight to your words. It says you have thought deeply about your topic.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this at a casual izakaya with friends. It sounds way too stiff for a night of drinks. If you use it while texting about lunch, people might think you're joking. It’s not for 'chatting'; it’s for 'explaining.' Don't use it if you aren't 100% sure the two things are equal. If they aren't, you'll just confuse everyone. It’s too heavy for light-hearted gossip or quick check-ins.
Cultural Background
すなわち has roots in classical Japanese. It carries an air of traditional logic and scholarship. In the past, it was used by philosophers and officials to dictate truths. Today, it retains that 'official' flavor. It reflects the Japanese cultural value of precision in formal communication. Using it correctly shows you have a high level of education. It’s the mark of a sophisticated speaker.
Common Variations
If you want a more casual version, use つまり. That’s the everyday 'in other words.' If you want to sound even more explanatory, try 言い換えれば. That literally means 'if I change the words.' For a very formal written context, you might see 即ち in kanji. However, most people stick to hiragana for readability. Each variation has its own 'weight' in a conversation.
Notes d'usage
Mainly used in formal writing or speeches. Avoid in casual conversation unless you are being intentionally dramatic or pedantic.
The 'Equals' Trick
If you can replace the phrase with an equals sign (=) and the sentence still makes sense, `すなわち` is likely the right choice.
Don't Overdo It
Using this phrase too often in one conversation makes you sound like a textbook. Save it for your most important point.
The Kanji Secret
While usually written in hiragana, the kanji `即ち` is sometimes used in older literature to give a 'classic' or 'epic' feel to the text.
Exemples
6我々の目的は売上の向上、すなわち市場シェアの拡大です。
Our goal is increasing sales, namely, expanding our market share.
Here it clarifies the specific method of achieving the goal.
水はH2O、すなわち水素と酸素から構成されています。
Water is H2O, that is to say, it consists of hydrogen and oxygen.
Used to break down a chemical formula into plain language.
提出期限は明日、すなわち三月十日です。
The deadline is tomorrow, namely, March 10th.
Provides the exact date to avoid any confusion.
私の財布は空っぽ、すなわちピンチだ！
My wallet is empty; in other words, I'm in trouble!
The formal tone creates a humorous contrast with the casual situation.
君は僕のすべて、すなわち生きる理由なんだ。
You are my everything, namely, my reason for living.
Adds a poetic, heavy weight to the confession.
本契約の終了、すなわち権利の消滅を意味する。
The termination of this contract, namely, the extinction of rights.
Very stiff and precise legal language.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to clarify the meaning of 'the weekend' in a formal announcement.
休業日は週末、___土曜日と日曜日です。
`すなわち` is used here to define exactly which days constitute the 'weekend' in this context.
Which phrase fits best in a logical conclusion?
彼は私の母の兄、___私の伯父にあたります。
This identifies the relationship precisely: mother's brother = uncle.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of 'In Other Words'
Used with friends and family.
つまり (Tsumari)
Safe for most work situations.
言い換えれば (Iikaereba)
Speeches, papers, and serious meetings.
すなわち (Sunawachi)
Legal documents and literature.
即ち (Kanji version)
When to reach for 'Sunawachi'
Academic Writing
Defining a theory
Business Report
Clarifying KPIs
Formal Speech
A wedding toast
News Broadcast
Explaining a law
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt means 'namely' or 'that is to say.' It is used to restate something in a more precise or defined way.
They share the same meaning, but すなわち is much more formal. Use つまり with friends and すなわち in a report.
Yes, you can use it to start a sentence that clarifies the previous one. For example: すなわち、彼は嘘をついていたのだ。 (In other words, he was lying.)
Not really. It’s mostly found in writing, news, and formal speeches. In daily life, it sounds a bit stiff.
Yes, it is written as 即ち, but it is much more common to see it in hiragana as すなわち.
It’s not for a general list, but for a 'list of one' that defines the whole. Like: 'The three primary colors, すなわち red, blue, and yellow.'
Using it when the two parts aren't actually equal. It must be a direct clarification or definition.
It sounds intellectual and formal rather than 'old.' It’s still very much in use in modern professional Japanese.
Not really; すなわち is already near the top of the formality scale for this specific meaning.
In modern Japanese, no. In ancient Japanese, it did, but that meaning is no longer used today.
Expressions liées
つまり
In other words (Casual/Neutral)
言い換えれば
To put it another way
要するに
In short / To sum it up
換言すれば
In other words (Very formal/Written)
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