Two words meaning the same thing in Japanese?
Author: Richard
Q: This could be an error in my own part, but so far, I’ve stumbled across two different words for the same thing in Japanese. Such as, in one list, I have found the word for caterpillar to be “kemushi” where in another it’s “imomushi” How do I tell if they’re right and which to use? - Sami
A: Hi Sami. First of all don’t worry too much. When you learn any language there are always words that sometimes overlap or sometimes can’t be translated. For example what’s the difference between “couch” or “sofa” or “living room” or “lounge”. In this case I think imomushi is one type of caterpillar. But actually the English word caterpillar isn’t a very accurate word anyway! So just as with everything else, simply listen to lots of Japanese and you’ll soon instinctively figure out which words to use in which circumstance. And if you are talking you just use one word, see if the reaction is what you expect, and if not try the other word! That’s how babies learn and that’s the same technique that people who speak many languages use to get really good!
Be genki,
Richard
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