The word ‘by’ may seem simple in English, but translating it into Japanese is not always straightforward. Depending on the context, ‘by’ can take on different meanings, including showing who did something, how something happened, or when something happened. Japanese does not have a single word that corresponds directly to ‘by’ in all cases. Instead, it uses a variety of ptopics and expressions to convey the right meaning. Understanding how to translate ‘by’ into Japanese is essential for mastering both everyday conversation and written communication.
Understanding the Role of ‘By’ in English
Before diving into its Japanese translations, it is useful to understand how ‘by’ functions in English. It plays multiple roles, such as:
- Agent of an action: The book was writtenbyher.
- Means or method: He traveledbycar.
- Time: Finish the workbyFriday.
- Measurement or amount: Prices went upby10%.
- Proximity or location: The store isbythe station.
Each of these uses requires a different approach when translating into Japanese. Let’s explore the main equivalents and their usage in context.
Translating ‘By’ to Show Who Did Something
Using ã«ãã£ã¦ (ni yotte)
When ‘by’ introduces the agent of a passive verb such as ‘The painting was made by Picasso’ Japanese typically usesã«ãã£ã¦:
ãã«ã½ã«ãã£ã¦æãããçµµã
(The painting drawn by Picasso.)
This phrase is more common in formal or written contexts. It clearly identifies who performed the action in passive voice constructions.
Using ã« (ni)
For more casual or spoken situations, the ptopicã«can sometimes take the place of ‘by’ when referring to an agent:
å½¼ã«å©ããããã
(I was helped by him.)
Here, ã« is used with a passive verb to indicate who did the action.
Translating ‘By’ to Indicate Method or Means
Using 㧠(de)
When ‘by’ refers to the method of doing something, Japanese usually uses the ptopicã§:
- ãã¹ã§è¡ãã Go by bus.
- æã§æ¸ãã Write by hand.
- é»è©±ã§è©±ãã Talk by phone.
This use of 㧠is very common in spoken and written Japanese. It helps identify the tool, means, or method used in performing an action.
Translating ‘By’ for Time Expressions
Using ã¾ã§ã« (made ni)
When ‘by’ sets a deadline or specific point in time, the correct Japanese phrase isã¾ã§ã«:
éææ ¥ã¾ã§ã«å®¿é¡ãåºã ã¦ãã ããã
(Please submit the homework by Friday.)
This expression is extremely important in business, school, and daily life. It clearly sets the latest time something should be done.
Translating ‘By’ to Show Measurement or Amount
Using 㧠or ãã¤
When ‘by’ is used in a quantitative sense like ‘by 10%’ or ‘by two points’ Japanese often employs numerical expressions along withã§orãã¤:
- ä¾¡æ ¼ã10%ã§ä¸ãã£ãã The price went up by 10%.
- 2ç¹ãã¤å¢ ããã Increase by two points each time.
The context helps determine which word fits better. While 㧠indicates the amount of change, ã㤠can mean ‘each’ or ‘by increments.’
Translating ‘By’ for Proximity or Location
Using ã®ãã°ã« (no soba ni) or è¿ãã« (chikaku ni)
When ‘by’ refers to location or closeness, Japanese often uses expressions likeã®ãã°ã«(near) orè¿ãã«(close to):
- é§ ã®ãã°ã«ããã¬ã¹ãã©ã³ã A restaurant by the station.
- å¦æ ¡ã®è¿ãã«ä½ãã§ããã Living by the school.
These phrases describe physical proximity and are useful in giving directions or describing places.
Nuances and Contextual Variations
Because Japanese doesn’t have a single word that means ‘by,’ understanding the context is critical. Here’s a quick summary of how to choose the right expression:
- ã«ãã£ã¦ for passive sentences describing who did something
- 㧠for method, transport, or instruments
- ã¾ã§ã« for time-related deadlines
- ã§/ã㤠for showing change or quantity
- ã®ãã°ã«/è¿ãã« for location and proximity
Mastering these ptopics allows learners to translate ‘by’ in Japanese more accurately and naturally, improving fluency and comprehension.
Examples in Everyday Japanese
Sample Sentences
- My homework was done by my friend.
宿é¡ã åéã«ãã£ã¦ããããã - He came by car.
å½¼ã è»ã§æ¥ãã - We must finish this by Monday.
æææ ¥ã¾ã§ã«ãããçµããããªããã°ãªããªãã - The temperature increased by 5 degrees.
æ° æ¸©ã5度ã§ä¸ãã£ãã - There is a café by the river.
å·ã®ãã°ã«ã«ãã§ãããã
The English word ‘by’ is highly flexible, and its translation into Japanese depends entirely on how it’s used in context. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, Japanese offers a rich variety of grammatical ptopics and expressions that reflect each specific use. Whether you are describing actions, means, deadlines, quantities, or locations, choosing the correct Japanese equivalent for ‘by’ is key to effective and accurate communication. With practice, learners can become comfortable recognizing which form to use, making their Japanese more precise and natural.