即ち | Grammar

Structure

[sentence/noun phrase]、即ち、[sentence/noun phrase (restatement/clarification)]

[sentence]。即ち、[sentence (restatement/clarification)]

Formal conjunction used standalone between clauses or sentences. Often preceded/followed by a comma (、) or period (。).

Description

即ち（すなわち） is a formal conjunction meaning "in other words," "namely," or "that is (to say)." It is used to restate, clarify, or define what was just mentioned, presenting the same idea in different or more specific terms.

Restating or rephrasing

即ち can be used to rephrase a preceding statement in clearer or simpler terms, similar to English "in other words" or "that is to say."

、。

He is the president's son – in other words, the next successor.

。、。

This plan has failed. In other words, we need to start over from scratch.

Defining or identifying – "namely"

即ち is also used to specify or identify exactly what something is, functioning like "namely" or "i.e."

、。

Japan's capital, namely Tokyo, is one of the largest cities in the world.

Nuance and formality

即ち is quite formal and literary. It appears frequently in written Japanese – academic texts, news articles, speeches, and formal explanations. In everyday conversation, つまり is the more natural and common choice for expressing "in other words." Compared to つまり, 即ち carries a stronger sense of precise equivalence – what follows is not just a summary but a direct restatement or definition of what came before.

いち1。

One dozen is, namely, twelve items.

Examples

、。

She is my mother's older sister, namely my aunt.

。、ついたち1日。

This law will be enacted next month. That is, it will take effect from April 1st.

、。

Humans are social animals – in other words, beings that cannot live alone.

。

Silence was regarded as, in other words, consent.

、。

He is the company's founder, namely the person who started this business.

、。

The vernal equinox – that is, the day when day and night are nearly equal in length.

、。

In other words, it means we only have two options.

、。

Please prepare the documents in this region's official language, namely French.

。、だっ。

He was found not guilty. That is to say, the evidence was insufficient.

、やく約さんはちまん38万。

Earth's satellite, namely the Moon, is approximately 380,000 kilometers away.

References

即ちBunpro