Translation guide
The English word 'other' is used to refer to additional items, alternatives, or the remaining part of a group. In Japanese, the expression depends on whether you mean 'another one', 'the rest', 'different', or 'others (people)'. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express these meanings.
Referring to an additional item of the same kind.
Literally 'one more'. Used when asking for or mentioning an additional single item.
Another one, please.
I have one more question.
Means 'a different one'. Used when you want a different item, not necessarily an additional one.
Please show me a different one.
Means 'other' in the sense of 'another' or 'some other'. Can be used for both additional and different items.
Is there another way?
Referring to the remaining part of a group or set.
Means 'the rest' or 'the remainder'. Used for both countable and uncountable things.
Indicating something that is not the current one; an alternative.
The most common way to say 'a different one'. Used before nouns.
Let's meet on a different day.
Referring to other people in general.
Literally 'other people'. The most straightforward way.
Excluding something; 'besides' or 'apart from'.
Attached to nouns to mean 'other than ~' or 'except ~'.
Reciprocal action between two or more people.
Adverb meaning 'mutually' or 'each other'. Often used with verbs like 助け合う (help each other).
Both mean 'other' or 'different', but 別の emphasizes a clear distinction or separation, while 他の is more general and can mean 'additional' or 'remaining'. 別の is often used when choosing a completely different item, whereas 他の can be used for 'other options' in a set.
Do you have any other questions?
I'll do the rest tomorrow.
Where is the rest of the money?
Means 'other' or 'the rest'. Often used in phrases like 他は (the others) or 他の (other).
The others are fine.
Let's go to a different store.
Means 'different' or 'wrong'. Can be used as '違うX' to mean 'a different X'.
Let's try a different method.
Also means 'other' or 'different'. Slightly more formal than 別の in some contexts.
Are there any other opinions?
Please ask someone else.
Means 'other people' or 'strangers'. Often used in contrast to family or friends.
I don't care about other people's business.
In some contexts, simply 'people' can imply 'others'. Often used in set phrases.
Respect others' opinions.
Everyone came except him.
I want to study languages other than Japanese.
Means 'in addition to' or 'besides'. Often used in formal contexts.
Besides English, I can also speak French.
Let's help each other.
Verb suffix meaning 'to do mutually'. Attach to the stem of a verb.
to love each other
Let's also look at other stores.
In English, 'other' is often used in phrases like 'on the other hand' or 'other than that'. These have fixed Japanese equivalents (一方で, それは別として) and should not be translated word-for-word.
I have no other choice.
Some people like it, others don't.