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.
The exit is that way.
Casual form of あちら. Common in everyday speech.
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.
May I sit that way? (toward you)
Casual form of そちら. Used for direction near the listener.
The ball went that way (toward you).
Literally 'that direction'. More explicit, used when pointing or giving precise directions.
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.
You open it that way.
So that's how it is.
More formal/literary version of そう. Often used in instructions or polite speech.
Please do it that way.
Refers to a manner distant from both speaker and listener, or something previously demonstrated. Casual.
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.
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.
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.
Means 'just like that' or 'as it is', referring to a state left unchanged.
Leave it that way.
Contrasting two directions or methods, often in choices.
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.
That way (over there) you can see Mt. Fuji.
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.
That's not the case. / It's not like that.