Translation guide
The English word 'other' is used to refer to additional items, alternatives, or the remaining part of a group. In Japanese, the expression depends on whether you mean 'another one', 'the rest', 'different', or 'others (people)'. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express these meanings.
Referring to an additional item of the same kind.
Literally 'one more'. Used when asking for or mentioning an additional single item.
もう一つください。
Another one, please.
もう一つ質問があります。
I have one more question.
Means 'a different one'. Used when you want a different item, not necessarily an additional one.
別のを見せてください。
Please show me a different one.
Means 'other' in the sense of 'another' or 'some other'. Can be used for both additional and different items.
他の方法はありますか？
Is there another way?
Referring to the remaining part of a group or set.
Indicating something that is not the current one; an alternative.
The most common way to say 'a different one'. Used before nouns.
別の日に会いましょう。
Let's meet on a different day.
別の店に行こう。
Let's go to a different store.
Referring to other people in general.
Literally 'other people'. The most straightforward way.
他の人に聞いてください。
Please ask someone else.
Excluding something; 'besides' or 'apart from'.
Attached to nouns to mean 'other than ~' or 'except ~'.
彼以外はみんな来た。
Everyone came except him.
日本語以外の言語を勉強したい。
I want to study languages other than Japanese.
Reciprocal action between two or more people.
Both mean 'other' or 'different', but 別の emphasizes a clear distinction or separation, while 他の is more general and can mean 'additional' or 'remaining'. 別の is often used when choosing a completely different item, whereas 他の can be used for 'other options' in a set.
別の店に行こう。
Let's go to a different store (not this one).
他の店も見てみよう。
Let's also look at other stores.
In English, 'other' is often used in phrases like 'on the other hand' or 'other than that'. These have fixed Japanese equivalents (一方で, それは別として) and should not be translated word-for-word.
他に質問はありますか？
Do you have any other questions?
他に選択肢はない。
I have no other choice.
好きな人もいれば、そうでない人もいる。
Some people like it, others don't.
Means 'the rest' or 'the remainder'. Used for both countable and uncountable things.
残りは明日やります。
I'll do the rest tomorrow.
残りのお金はどこ？
Where is the rest of the money?
Means 'other' or 'the rest'. Often used in phrases like 他は (the others) or 他の (other).
他は大丈夫です。
The others are fine.
Means 'different' or 'wrong'. Can be used as '違うX' to mean 'a different X'.
違うやり方でやってみよう。
Let's try a different method.
Also means 'other' or 'different'. Slightly more formal than 別の in some contexts.
他の意見はありますか？
Are there any other opinions?
Means 'other people' or 'strangers'. Often used in contrast to family or friends.
他人のことは気にしない。
I don't care about other people's business.
In some contexts, simply 'people' can imply 'others'. Often used in set phrases.
人の意見を尊重する。
Respect others' opinions.
Means 'in addition to' or 'besides'. Often used in formal contexts.
英語の他にフランス語も話せます。
Besides English, I can also speak French.
Adverb meaning 'mutually' or 'each other'. Often used with verbs like 助け合う (help each other).
お互いに助け合いましょう。
Let's help each other.