Translation guide
The English pronoun 'it' is often omitted in Japanese. When needed, use それ (sore) for objects near the listener, これ (kore) for objects near the speaker, or あれ (are) for distant objects. For abstract concepts, use そのこと (sono koto) or simply omit the subject.
Pointing to or mentioning a physical thing
Refers to something near the listener or previously mentioned. Use when the object is not near the speaker.
Is that a pen?
Please give me that.
Refers to something near the speaker. Use when the object is close to you.
Refers to something far from both speaker and listener.
When the object is obvious from context, simply drop 'it'. Japanese often omits subjects and objects.
I already ate it.
Talking about an idea, fact, or event
Expressing impersonal 'it' in English sentences like 'It is raining'
Japanese does not use a dummy subject. Simply state the weather, time, or condition without 'it'.
It is raining.
Using 'it' for a living being whose identity is not specified
Literally 'that child'. Used for babies or young children when gender is unknown or irrelevant.
Translating structures like 'It was John who...'
Use the nominalizer の plus は to create a cleft sentence. The emphasized element comes before だ/です.
English speakers often overuse それ (sore) when translating 'it'. In natural Japanese, pronouns are omitted much more frequently. Only use それ when you need to specify or contrast something.
Is it delicious?
これ (kore) = near speaker, それ (sore) = near listener, あれ (are) = far from both. Choose based on physical or psychological distance.
What is this?
That over there is a mountain.
Can you see it?
I know about it.
Abstract 'it' is often omitted when the context is clear, especially with adjectives or verbs of thinking.
It is difficult.
I can't believe it.
Can also refer to abstract concepts, similar to 'that' in English.
Is that true?
It is cold.
It is 3 o'clock.
It is crying. (referring to a baby)
Literally 'that animal'. Used for animals when species or name is unknown.
It ran away. (referring to an animal)
If the baby or animal has a name or known attribute, use that instead of a pronoun.
Where is it? (referring to a cat named Tama)
It was John who came.
It is money that is needed.
Use こと for abstract or conceptual emphasis.
What surprised me was his attitude.
It doesn't matter.
Fixed expression; no pronoun.
It's a pleasure to meet you.
No direct 'it' translation.