Translation guide
Expresses an unspecified or vague thing, often implying 'something or other' or 'for some reason'. Japanese uses various noun-based patterns and adverbs.
Referring to a vague, unspecified thing or matter, often when the speaker doesn't want to or can't specify.
Literally 'something and', used adverbially to mean 'one thing or another', 'in various ways', or 'for some reason'. Often implies multiple unspecified things.
Expressing that something happens for an unspecified reason, similar to 'for one reason or another'.
何かと is more adverbial and often implies 'in various ways' or 'for some reason', while あれこれ is more concrete, meaning 'this and that' or 'various things'. あれこれ is often used with verbs like 考える (think) or 話す (talk).
Do not translate 'one thing or another' literally as 一つのことか別のこと. It sounds unnatural. Use the patterns above instead.
彼は何かと忙しい。
He's busy with one thing or another.
何かとお世話になりました。
Thank you for everything (lit. for one thing or another).
Vaguely 'something or other', often used when the speaker doesn't know the details or it's unclear. Slightly literary or formal.
彼は何やら難しい話をしている。
He's talking about one difficult thing or another.
Means 'somehow', 'for some reason', or 'something or other'. Conveys a vague feeling or unspecified reason.
何だか疲れた。
I'm tired from one thing or another.
Means 'this and that', 'one thing or another'. Used when referring to various things without specifying.
あれこれ考えたけど、決められない。
I thought about one thing or another, but I can't decide.
Literally 'on something', meaning 'in one thing or another', 'on every occasion'. Used for habitual or repeated unspecified things.
彼は何かにつけて文句を言う。
He complains about one thing or another.
Means 'without particular reason', 'somehow or other'. Very common for vague feelings or actions.
何となく悲しい。
I feel sad for one reason or another.
何となくここに来た。
I came here for one thing or another.
Literally 'for what reason', meaning 'for some reason or other'. Slightly more analytical than 何となく.
どういうわけか、今日は電車が空いている。
For one reason or another, the train is empty today.