Translation guide
Expresses direction, manner, or state. In Japanese, the choice depends on whether you mean physical direction, method, or condition. Often uses あちら/あっち (direction), そのように/そう (manner), or そんな/あんな (state).
Pointing out a location or direction away from both speaker and listener, or referring to a previously mentioned place.
Polite form for 'that direction' or 'over there'. Used in formal contexts or when showing respect.
出口はあちらです。
The exit is that way.
Casual form of あちら. Common in everyday speech.
トイレはあっちだよ。
The toilet is that way.
Polite form for 'that direction' near the listener. Use when the direction is closer to the listener than the speaker.
そちらに座ってもいいですか。
May I sit that way? (toward you)
Casual form of そちら. Used for direction near the listener.
ボールがそっちに行ったよ。
The ball went that way (toward you).
Literally 'that direction'. More explicit, used when pointing or giving precise directions.
駅はあの方向です。
The station is that way.
Describing how something is done, or referring to a previously mentioned method or style.
The most common way to say 'like that' or 'in that way'. Refers to something just mentioned or understood from context.
そうやって開けるんだ。
You open it that way.
そういうことか。
So that's how it is.
More formal/literary version of そう. Often used in instructions or polite speech.
そのようにお願いします。
Please do it that way.
Refers to a manner distant from both speaker and listener, or something previously demonstrated. Casual.
ああやって作るんだよ。
You make it that way (like I showed you before).
Emphasizes the manner or style, often with a nuance of 'in such a way'. Can carry emotional tone.
そんなふうに言わないで。
Don't say it that way.
Describing a state or condition that is distant from both speaker and listener, or previously mentioned.
Pre-noun adjectival meaning 'that kind of' or 'like that'. Used for states or qualities distant from both.
あんな天気の中、出かけたの？
You went out in that kind of weather?
Pre-noun adjectival for 'that kind of' (related to listener or previous statement). Often used in reactions.
そんなことないよ。
That's not the case. / It's not like that.
Means 'just like that' or 'as it is', referring to a state left unchanged.
あのままにしておいて。
Leave it that way.
Contrasting two directions or methods, often in choices.
Used when correcting someone: 'not that way, this way'. Casual.
そっちじゃなくて、こっちだよ。
Not that way, this way.
Polite version of the above.
そちらではなく、こちらです。
Not that way, this way.
あちら (あっち) refers to a direction away from both speaker and listener. そちら (そっち) refers to a direction near the listener or related to the listener's context. Use あちら for distant locations, そちら for the listener's side.
あちらに見えるのが富士山です。
That way (over there) you can see Mt. Fuji.
そちらの資料を取ってください。
Please pass that document (near you).
ああやって is very casual and can sound rough or childish if used in formal situations. Stick to そう or そのように in polite contexts.