Japanese word

異なる

Pronunciation

Romajikotonaru

Meaning

  • verbbe different

Example

この二つは異なります。ko no futa tsu wa koto na ri ma su

These two are different.

Illustration for 異なる (be different)

More examples

私の答えは妹の答えと異なります。watashi no kota e wa imōto no kota e to koto na ri ma su

My answer is different from my sister's answer.

国によって言葉の使い方が異なります。kuni ni yo tte koto ba no tsuka i kata ga koto na ri ma su

The use of words differs from country to country.

Core concept

Describes two or more things as separate in qualities, contents, or conditions rather than identical.

Common phrases

  • 内容が異なるnai yō ga koto na ru

    differ in content

  • 種類が異なるshu rui ga koto na ru

    be different in type

  • 価値観が異なるka chi kan ga koto na ru

    have different values

Similar words

違うchigau: To not be the same as another thing, especially in casual speech.

Definition in Japanese

複数の物事を比べたとき、性質や内容などが同じでない。fuku sū no mono goto o kura be ta to ki sei shitsu ya nai yō na do ga ona ji de na i

Word origin

異なる (kotonaru) developed from the older form 異なり (kotonari), which expressed a state of being unlike.

Usage tips

  • The verb 異なる (kotonaru) often appears in formal explanations and comparisons, while casual speech commonly uses 違う (chigau).

Opposites

  • 一致するitchisurucoincideverb

Related words

  • 異なりkotonaridifferencenoun

Word lists with this word