Translation guide
Expresses that there are many different kinds or types of something. In Japanese, this is often conveyed with adjectives like 様々な (samazama na) or 色々な (iroiro na), or with noun phrases like 多種多様 (tashu tayō). The choice depends on formality and context.
To say that there are multiple types or a wide range of something.
A common, slightly formal adjective meaning 'various' or 'diverse'. Used before nouns.
A variety of breads are sold at this store.
A very common, casual to neutral adjective meaning 'various'. Suitable for everyday conversation.
I want to try a variety of cuisines from different countries.
A more formal or written expression emphasizing a wide variety. Often used in reports or articles.
A wide variety of flora and fauna inhabit this region.
A formal, somewhat literary term meaning 'various'. Often used in technical or official contexts.
The plan was postponed for a variety of reasons.
To emphasize the breadth or diversity of something, often with a nuance of abundance.
To refer to a collection of different items, often in a commercial or physical sense.
Both mean 'various', but 様々な is slightly more formal and often used in writing or polite speech. 色々な is more common in casual conversation. In many situations they are interchangeable, but 色々な can sound too informal in a business report.
Please tell me your various opinions. (casual request)
We need to consider it from various angles. (formal context)
The English phrase 'a variety of' is often not directly translated as a single word. Instead, Japanese uses adjectives like 様々な or 色々な before the noun. Using a noun phrase like 多様性 (tayōsei) would mean 'diversity' as a concept, not 'a variety of things'.
This city is rich in diversity. (not 'a variety of')
His research spans a variety of fields.
この番組はバラエティに富んだ内容だ。
This show has a variety of content.