Author: Mizuki Ichihira
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Tonikaku Akarui Yasumura-san
Japanese comedian "Tonikaku Akarui Yasumura"-san, a recent finalist on the famous British TV show "Britain's Got Talent," is making waves in the entertainment industry.
Although he didn't win the final, he sure won the hearts of the audience!
His skyrocketing fame has sparked a surge in Google searches for "Tonikaku."
The term "Tonikaku," a key part of his name, translates to "Above all else."
Thus, his moniker reflects his vibrant persona - Yasumura, who exudes cheerfulness above all.
However, "Tonikaku" is not confined to this meaning alone and exhibits a broad spectrum of applications.
In this blog post, we'll delve into the multifaceted usage of "Tonikaku" and explore its synonym, "Toriaezu."
Mastering these adaptable transitional phrases can add a whole new dimension to your Japanese skills.
Concerned it might be difficult?
"Don't worry." "I'm learning." "JAPAN!" with us. 
Japanese Vocabulary: What’s the Difference Between Tonikaku and Toriaezu?
とにかく ・Tonikaku
とにかく・Tonikaku means anyway.
Just as the meaning implies, it is a transition before concluding or making a summary statement.
Below, you’ll find some helpful examples showcasing the effective usage of this transitional phrase in relation to both our understanding of Tonikaku and its connection to the beloved “Yasumura-San” that has captured all of our hearts. Take a look ↓
| Japanese Phrase ・Furigana | Romaji | English Phrase |
|---|---|---|
| とにかく、それはあなたのせいでした。 | Tonikaku, sore wa anata no sei deshita. | Anyway, that was your fault |
| ずいぶん心配したが、とにかく無事で帰ってきてくれて何よりだ。 | Zuibun shinpaishita ga, tonikaku buji de kaette kitekurete nani yori da. | We worried about you so much. Anyway, the big thing is, you’ve come back safely. |
| Tonikaku and Yasumura-San |
| Japanese Phrase ・Furigana | Romaji | English Phrase |
|---|---|---|
| とにかく、心配しないでください。 私はパンツを穿いています。 | Tonikaku, shinpai shinaide kudasai. Watashi wa pantsu o haiteimasu. | Anyway, don't worry I am wearing pants. |
| トニーはオリジナルのスーパーマンではありませんが、とにかく彼は興味深いです。 | Tonī wa orijinaru no Sūpāman dewa arimasen ga, tonikaku kare wa kyōmibukai desu. | Toni isn't the original Superman, anyway he's an intriguing version. |
とりあえず ・Toriaezu
とりあえず・Toriaezu means for now, or for the time being.
It’s commonly used in a short-term context i.e., when the speaker wants to express something that’s to be done immediately.
We have prepared several sentence examples to illustrate the usage of "toriaezu" for you:
| Japanese Phrase ・Furigana | Romaji | English Phrase |
|---|---|---|
| とりあえず、ここで待ってください | Toriaezu, koko de matte kudasai | For now, please wait here. |
| とりあえず必要な物はそろった。 | Toriaezu hitsuyouna mono wa sorotta | We’ve got items necessary for now. |
Is it possible to substitute toriaezu with tonikaku?
Let's delve into the common small slip-up made by new Japanese learners, wherein they mistakenly use "tonikaku" instead of "toriaezu." We will examine how this substitution impacts the meaning of the sentence. To illustrate this quite interesting transformation, let's consider the following example sentence:
Original: Toriaezu, koko de matte kudasai. (とりあえず、ここで待ってください)
Transformed: Tonikaku, koko de matte kudasai. (とにかく, ここで待ってください)
Upon evaluating our Japanese vocabulary practice, we quickly notice the significant changes that occur when transitioning from toriaezu to tonikaku:
The Politeness Factor: While the first sentence, employing toriaezu, maintains a polite and hospitable tone, the second sentence, featuring tonikaku, exudes an air of rudeness and unprofessionalism.
Situational Context: Suppose you find yourself in a restaurant, eagerly awaiting a table. In this scenario, the distinction between toriaezu and tonikaku becomes crucial. Using the incorrect transition word could lead to unintended consequences and misunderstandings.
In conclusion, using the wrong transition word in Japanese can have a profound impact on the meaning and tone of a sentence. Practice makes perfect, exercising will help you to choose wisely and ensure effective communication and preserve intended interpretations.
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Do you have any funny stories of using the wrong transition word in Japanese?
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To the we-japan.com owner, Thanks for the detailed post!