Translation guide
Expresses 'this kind/type of' in Japanese. The most common pattern uses このような or こういう before a noun. In casual speech, こんな is very frequent. The choice depends on formality and whether you are pointing to something physically present or referring to a previously mentioned type.
The speaker wants to say 'this sort of X' where X is a noun, referring to a type or kind that is either physically present or just mentioned.
Polite and neutral pattern. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese. このような means 'like this' or 'this kind of'.
このような問題は初めてです。
This sort of problem is a first for me.
I am honored to have this sort of opportunity.
Slightly more conversational than このような, but still widely used in both speech and writing. こういう literally means 'this-said' and refers to the type just mentioned or indicated.
こういう話はあまり好きじゃない。
I don't really like this sort of story.
こういう時はどうすればいいですか。
What should I do in this sort of situation?
Very common in casual conversation. こんな is a contraction of このような and carries a slightly more emotional or emphatic tone. Avoid in formal writing.
こんな天気の日は家にいたい。
On this sort of weather day, I want to stay home.
こんなことになるとは思わなかった。
I never thought this sort of thing would happen.
Formal and often used in written language or speeches. こうした is similar to このような but can imply 'these sorts of' (plural nuance) or 'such'.
こうした取り組みが重要です。
This sort of initiative is important.
こうした事例は珍しくない。
This sort of case is not rare.
The speaker wants to say 'this sort of thing' or 'something like this' without specifying a noun.
Casual and common. の replaces the noun. Literally 'this kind of one'.
こういうのが好きです。
I like this sort of thing.
Very casual. Often used when the speaker has a negative or surprised feeling.
こんなの初めて見た。
I've never seen this sort of thing before.
Polite and formal version of こういうの. もの means 'thing'.
このようなものはあまり見かけません。
We don't often see this sort of thing.
The speaker wants to express that 'this sort of X' is undesirable, surprising, or extreme.
When used with a negative or surprised tone, こんな strongly conveys the speaker's emotion. Often followed by negative predicates or exclamations.
こんな高いレストランには来たくない。
I don't want to come to this sort of expensive restaurant.
こんなに大変だとは思わなかった。
I didn't think it would be this sort of tough.
A slightly less emotional but still clear way to express dislike or criticism.
こういう冗談は好きじゃない。
I don't like this sort of joke.
All three mean 'this sort of', but differ in formality and nuance. このような is polite and neutral, suitable for business and writing. こんな is casual and often emotional. こういう is in between, common in everyday conversation and informal writing. Choose based on your relationship with the listener and the situation.
このような問題はよくあります。
This sort of problem occurs often. (neutral/polite)
こんな問題、よくあるよ。
This sort of problem happens all the time. (casual)
こういう問題ってよくあるよね。
This sort of problem happens a lot, right? (conversational)
この + N means 'this N' (a specific object), while このような/こんな/こういう + N means 'this kind of N' (a type). Using この when you mean a type can sound unnatural.
この本は面白い。
This book is interesting. (specific book)
こんな本が好きです。
I like this sort of book. (type of book)