Translation guide
Expresses that something is done or happens in the manner just described or demonstrated. Japanese uses several adverbial phrases depending on formality, whether the manner is physically shown or abstract, and whether it refers to a method or a resulting state.
The speaker refers to a way of doing something that has just been mentioned or is being demonstrated.
The most common, neutral way to say 'in this way' or 'like this' in conversation. Often used with verbs like する (do) or やる (do).
こうやってください。
Please do it like this.
こうすればいいですか？
Is it okay if I do it this way?
Emphasizes the manner or style, often used when showing a method or giving an example. Slightly more descriptive than こう.
こんなふうに書いてください。
Please write it like this.
Polite and slightly formal. Common in presentations, explanations, and written instructions.
このように操作します。
You operate it in this way.
Used in formal speech, writing, or to indicate a logical result or conclusion.
Formal equivalent of 'in this way', often used to explain a process or result step by step.
このようにして問題は解決した。
In this way, the problem was solved.
Slightly less formal than このようにして, but still used in narratives to mean 'and thus' or 'in this way'.
こうして彼は成功した。
In this way, he succeeded.
Literary or formal written style, often used at the beginning of a sentence to mean 'thus' or 'in this way'. Not used in conversation.
Describing how something looks, feels, or is, rather than a method of doing.
Pre-noun adjectival meaning 'like this' or 'this kind of'. Used before nouns to describe a state or appearance.
こんな感じです。
It's like this (feeling).
こんな色が好きです。
I like colors like this.
Also pre-noun, meaning 'this kind of' or 'like this'. Slightly more explanatory than こんな.
Used in manuals, recipes, or formal instructions to indicate a procedure.
Literally 'by this method'. Very clear and direct, suitable for technical or instructional contexts.
この方法でデータを分析します。
We analyze the data in this way.
Means 'following this procedure' or 'in this order'. Common in step-by-step guides.
この手順で組み立ててください。
Please assemble it in this way (following these steps).
こう is an adverb and modifies verbs (e.g., こうする 'do like this'). こんな is a pre-noun adjectival and modifies nouns (e.g., こんな人 'a person like this'). このように can be used both adverbially and adjectivally in formal contexts, but is more polite than こう.
English 'in this way' often corresponds to a single adverb in Japanese. Do not try to translate word-for-word as この中で道 or similar, which is unnatural.
こうすれば、もっと簡単ですよ。
If you do it in this way, it will be easier.
このようにして時間を節約できます。
In this way, we can save time.
かくして物語は終わる。
Thus the story ends.
こういう問題はよくある。
Problems like this are common.