Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
すなわち Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N3 Freq. Frequency Top 10,000 Meanings 1
conjunction
that is ; namely ; i.e.
usually written using kana alone
Used to rephrase or clarify a preceding statement, often in formal or explanatory contexts.
2
conjunction
precisely ; exactly ; just
usually written using kana alone
Emphasizes that something is exactly as stated, with no room for doubt or deviation. Often used in definitions or strong identifications.
3
conjunction
and then ; which means
usually written using kana alone
Used in the pattern 〜ばすなわち... to indicate that what follows is a natural consequence or logical conclusion of the preceding condition. Formal and somewhat literary.
Written forms すなわち Usage 90%
Standard kana spelling; strongly preferred in modern Japanese.
即すなわ ち Usage 8%
Common kanji form, but the word is usually written in kana. Still seen in formal or technical writing.
則すなわ ち Usage 1%
rarely-used kanji form
Rarely used kanji form.
乃すなわ ち Usage <1%
rarely-used kanji form
Rarely used kanji form.
便すなわ ち Usage <1%
search-only kanji form
Search-only kanji form; not used in modern writing.
輒すなわ ち Usage <1%
search-only kanji form
Search-only kanji form; not used in modern writing.
Kanji 乃 from, possessive particle, whereupon Similar words つまり つまり is the common, everyday word for 'in other words' or 'that is'. すなわち is more formal and often used in written or academic contexts.
言い い 換か えれば 言い換えれば explicitly means 'to put it another way' and is used for rephrasing. すなわち can serve a similar function but is more concise and formal.
Etymology Derived from classical Japanese. The kanji 即, 則, and 乃 were historically used to represent the meaning, but the word is now predominantly written in kana. The exact derivation is uncertain.
convenience, facility, excrement
