Translation guide
The English word 'otherwise' has several distinct uses: indicating an alternative or 'if not', describing a different manner or way, and meaning 'in other respects'. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Hurry up, otherwise we'll be late.
I think otherwise.
It's a bit small, but otherwise it's fine.
Expressing a condition and its consequence: 'if that does not happen, then this will happen'. Often used as a warning or to state an alternative outcome.
A common conjunction meaning 'or else', 'otherwise'. Used at the beginning of a clause to introduce the negative consequence if the preceding condition is not met. Slightly formal but widely used in speech and writing.
Please hurry up. Otherwise you'll be late.
A more casual and conversational way to say 'if you don't do that, then...'. Literally 'if (you) don't do so'. Very natural in spoken Japanese.
A shortened, casual form of 'そうでないと'. Used in everyday conversation. Can sound a bit blunt.
A more formal or literary version of 'さもないと'. Often used in written instructions or formal warnings.
Describing an action or state that is done or exists in a manner different from what was mentioned. Often used with verbs like 'say', 'think', 'do'.
Literally 'by a different method'. A straightforward way to say 'in a different way' or 'otherwise' when referring to an alternative approach.
Used to say that except for one thing, everything else is fine or true. Often appears as 'an otherwise ...' or '... but otherwise'.
Means 'other than that' or 'apart from that'. Very common and natural in both speech and writing.
Used at the end of a sentence to imply a threat or unspecified negative consequence if a demand is not met. Often stands alone as 'or else!'.
'さもないと' only means 'if not' or 'or else'. It cannot be used to mean 'in other respects' or 'apart from that'. For that meaning, use 'それ以外は' or 'その他は'.
He's a bit strange, but otherwise he's a good person.
Study properly. Otherwise you'll fail the exam.
早く！でないと置いてくよ。
Hurry up! Otherwise I'm leaving you behind.
Please submit this document. Otherwise, your application will be rejected.
He solved the problem otherwise (in a different way).
Means 'in a different manner' or 'differently'. More casual and often used in speech.
Try saying it otherwise (in a different way).
A literary or formal way to say 'not so' or 'otherwise'. Often used in written language to contrast with a previous statement.
He succeeded, but even otherwise (if he hadn't), his efforts wouldn't have been in vain.
It's a bit expensive, but otherwise it's perfect.
Similar to 'それ以外は', but slightly more formal. Often used in written contexts.
Except for this point, otherwise there's no problem.
A casual way to say 'the rest' or 'otherwise'. Often used in conversation to wrap up a list of things.
I finished my homework. Otherwise (the only thing left is) just playing.
Apologize. Or else...
Casual version of the above. Often used among friends or in manga/anime.
Do as I say. Or else...
'さもないと' is slightly more formal and can be used in both speech and writing. 'そうしないと' is more conversational and directly means 'if you don't do that'. Both are common, but 'そうしないと' may sound more natural in casual advice.