Translation guide
Expresses 'this kind/type of' in Japanese. The most common pattern uses このような or こういう before a noun. In casual speech, こんな is very frequent. The choice depends on formality and whether you are pointing to something physically present or referring to a previously mentioned type.
The speaker wants to say 'this sort of X' where X is a noun, referring to a type or kind that is either physically present or just mentioned.
Polite and neutral pattern. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese. このような means 'like this' or 'this kind of'.
This sort of problem is a first for me.
I am honored to have this sort of opportunity.
Slightly more conversational than このような, but still widely used in both speech and writing. こういう literally means 'this-said' and refers to the type just mentioned or indicated.
I don't really like this sort of story.
What should I do in this sort of situation?
Very common in casual conversation. こんな is a contraction of このような and carries a slightly more emotional or emphatic tone. Avoid in formal writing.
On this sort of weather day, I want to stay home.
I never thought this sort of thing would happen.
Formal and often used in written language or speeches. こうした is similar to このような but can imply 'these sorts of' (plural nuance) or 'such'.
This sort of initiative is important.
This sort of case is not rare.
The speaker wants to say 'this sort of thing' or 'something like this' without specifying a noun.
Casual and common. の replaces the noun. Literally 'this kind of one'.
I like this sort of thing.
Very casual. Often used when the speaker has a negative or surprised feeling.
I've never seen this sort of thing before.
Polite and formal version of こういうの. もの means 'thing'.
We don't often see this sort of thing.
The speaker wants to express that 'this sort of X' is undesirable, surprising, or extreme.
When used with a negative or surprised tone, こんな strongly conveys the speaker's emotion. Often followed by negative predicates or exclamations.
I don't want to come to this sort of expensive restaurant.
I didn't think it would be this sort of tough.
A slightly less emotional but still clear way to express dislike or criticism.
I don't like this sort of joke.
All three mean 'this sort of', but differ in formality and nuance. このような is polite and neutral, suitable for business and writing. こんな is casual and often emotional. こういう is in between, common in everyday conversation and informal writing. Choose based on your relationship with the listener and the situation.
This sort of problem occurs often. (neutral/polite)
This sort of problem happens all the time. (casual)
This sort of problem happens a lot, right? (conversational)
この + N means 'this N' (a specific object), while このような/こんな/こういう + N means 'this kind of N' (a type). Using この when you mean a type can sound unnatural.
This book is interesting. (specific book)
I like this sort of book. (type of book)