Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the idea of 'various' in Japanese, from common adjectives to more specific expressions for diversity and variety.
The speaker wants to say there are multiple different types or instances of something, without specifying them.
The most common and versatile way to say 'various'. It is a na-adjective and can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
いろいろな国を旅行しました。
I traveled to various countries.
This store has various kinds of cheese.
Slightly more formal than いろいろな, but still very common. Emphasizes diversity and variety.
様々な意見を聞くことが大切です。
It's important to listen to various opinions.
この問題には様々な原因が考えられる。
Various causes can be considered for this problem.
Kanji form of いろいろな. Same meaning and usage, but the kanji version can appear more formal in writing.
色々な経験を積みたい。
I want to gain various experiences.
The speaker wants to stress that there is a wide range of different things, often with a nuance of 'all sorts of'.
Means 'diverse' or 'varied'. Often used in formal or academic contexts to describe a wide range of types.
この地域には多様な文化が共存している。
Various cultures coexist in this region.
多様なニーズに応える必要がある。
We need to meet various needs.
A formal, written expression meaning 'various' or 'a variety of'. Often used in reports or literature.
種々の理由から、その計画は中止された。
The plan was canceled for various reasons.
A prefix meaning 'various' or 'many', used in formal or literary contexts. Attaches to nouns.
諸問題を解決する。
Solve various problems.
The speaker wants to refer to 'various things' without specifying them, often as the subject or object.
Can be used as a noun meaning 'various things'. Often followed by particles like が or を.
いろいろありがとうございます。
Thank you for everything (various things).
いろいろ考えたけど、やっぱり行くことにした。
I thought about various things, but I decided to go after all.
Noun form of 様々な. Used similarly to いろいろ but slightly more formal.
The speaker wants to refer to a diverse group of people.
The most straightforward way to say 'various people'.
いろいろな人に会いました。
I met various people.
A slightly more formal alternative.
様々な人がこのイベントに参加した。
Various people participated in this event.
Both mean 'various', but いろいろな is more colloquial and everyday, while 様々な is slightly more formal and emphasizes diversity. In casual speech, いろいろな is preferred.
いろいろな話を聞いた。
I heard various stories.
様々な観点から検討する必要がある。
We need to examine it from various perspectives.
English 'various' can sometimes be used as an adverb (e.g., 'variously described'), but in Japanese, you usually need an adjective form like いろいろな or an adverbial phrase like いろいろと. Do not use いろいろ directly before a noun without な.
理由はいろいろあります。
There are various reasons.
いろいろなことを話しました。
We talked about various things.
様々な問題が残っている。
Various problems remain.
様々なことがあった一年だった。
It was a year of various happenings.
A set phrase meaning 'men and women of all ages', i.e., all sorts of people. Used in formal contexts.
老若男女を問わず楽しめる映画です。
It's a movie that can be enjoyed by various people (all ages and genders).