Translation guide
The English pattern 'as ...' is used in comparisons, roles, and simultaneous actions. This guide covers the most common ways to express these ideas in Japanese, organized by meaning.
Expressing that two things are equal in some quality or degree.
Used to say 'A is as ... as B'. The adjective or adverb goes after 同じくらい.
He is as tall as me.
This car is as fast as that one.
Used in negative sentences to mean 'A is not as ... as B'. In positive sentences, it can mean 'A is as ... as B', but this is less common and often literary.
In positive sentences, ほど can sound literary or emphatic. For everyday comparisons, 同じくらい is safer.
He is not as tall as me.
Formal/literary way to say 'A is as ... as B'. Often used in writing.
This problem is as difficult as the previous one.
Indicating the role, capacity, or function of someone or something.
Attaches to a noun to mean 'as (a) ...'. It indicates the role or capacity in which someone acts or something is used.
Describing two actions happening at the same time, where one is the background for the other.
Attach to the stem of a verb to mean 'while doing ...'. The subject must be the same for both actions.
Giving a reason or cause for something, similar to 'since' or 'because'.
Used to give a reason or cause. More objective and polite than から. Attach to plain form of verbs/adjectives.
Describing the way something is done, often with 'as if' or 'like'.
Used to mean 'as if', 'like', or 'in the way that'. Follows verbs and adjectives in plain form.
同じくらい is used in positive sentences to say two things are equal. ほど is primarily used in negative sentences to say one is not as much as the other. Using ほど in positive sentences is possible but sounds literary or emphatic.
He is as fast as me.
今年の夏は去年ほど暑くない。
This summer is not as hot as last year.
He works as a doctor.
I bought this as a gift.
Used after nouns indicating a state or condition, often in set phrases like 一人で (alone, as one person) or 全部で (in total, as a whole).
Not a direct replacement for 'as a ...' in all cases. として is more versatile for roles.
I'll go alone (as one person).
You can use this for free (as a free service).
I studied while listening to music.
Let's talk as we walk.
Means 'while ...' or 'as ...' with a nuance of 'before the situation changes'. Used with verbs and adjectives.
I want to travel while I'm young.
Let's go home while it's still light.
Formal expression meaning 'at the same time as'. Often used in writing or formal speech.
The meeting started as soon as he arrived.
As it's raining, the game is cancelled.
As we don't have time, let's hurry.
Also means 'because', but can sound more subjective or casual. Often used when the reason is a personal opinion or decision.
から can sound blunt in formal situations. ので is safer for polite contexts.
As it's cold, close the window.
He acted as if nothing had happened.
Please do as I say.
Means 'exactly as' or 'in accordance with'. Used after nouns or verbs in plain form.
Please assemble it as per the instructions.
Try to do it as I do.
彼は私ほど速くない。
He is not as fast as me.
English 'as' has many functions that don't map to a single Japanese word. Always identify the meaning first (comparison, role, time, reason, manner) and choose the appropriate Japanese structure.