STRUCTURE
文、すなわち＋言い換え
＝で結べる正確な言い換え・定義。書き言葉
HOW TO USE IT
- すなわち is a conjunction placed between two parts: A、すなわちB. B restates A in other words.
- It is used when A and B refer to the same thing and can replace each other. So it often goes with figures, definitions and family terms.
- すなわち is formal and written. In conversation, people usually use つまり, which has a similar meaning.
- 要するに is different: it sums up a long passage into its main point, rather than restating a noun.
WATCH OUT
×日本の首都、すなわちの東京は人が多い。
○日本の首都、すなわち東京は人が多い。
すなわち is a conjunction and comes directly before the second part. Do not add の or other particles.
×お飲み物はコーヒー、すなわち紅茶からお選びください。
○お飲み物はコーヒー、または紅茶からお選びください。
すなわち means both parts are the same thing. To offer two things to choose from, use または.
Examples
彼は父の弟、すなわち私の叔父にあたる人だ。
かれはちちのおとうと、すなわちわたしのおじにあたるひとだ。
He is my father's younger brother — that is, my uncle.
一週間に一度、すなわち月に四回ほど母に電話します。
いっしゅうかんにいちど、すなわちつきによんかいほどははにでんわします。
I call my mother once a week, that is, about four times a month.
会議は来週の月曜日、すなわち五月十日に行われる。
かいぎはらいしゅうのげつようび、すなわちごがつとおかにおこなわれる。
The meeting will be held next Monday, that is, on May 10.
Often confused with
How each pair differs, with the exam trap in context, is in the Toey lesson.
Practise すなわち with drills and review
Start free with N5. N2 drills, audio and review are in JLPT Pro.
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