JLPT N5 Vocabulary – Difference between “となり” and “よこ”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “となり” and “よこ”
2. “となり” and “よこ”
3. Summary
4. Quiz
5. Similar Articles
6. Comment
Q: I don’t understand the difference between “となり” and “よこ.”
A: These two are called “positional words” that indicate spatial relationships. Since their meanings are similar, knowing which one to use can sometimes be confusing.
However, let’s understand their subtle differences so that we can use them correctly.
“となり” and “よこ” (JLPT N5)
First, let’s consider these two words with simple images.
“よこ” has “たて” in relation to it. Therefore, it refers to a horizontal direction relative to a vertical direction or left and right relative to a front and back direction.
Next, “となり” has a reference point, which is different from “よこ”.
It indicates the closest object lined up or adjacent to the reference point.
For example, as shown below, if A is the reference point, you can say “Aさんのとなり” (next to A).
Additionally, in the case of a train, the front car is the reference point, so we say “となりの車両” (the next car) instead of “よこの車両“.
From these two points, we can see that (as taught in beginner Japanese), in the sentence “ドアの ( ) にボタンがあります” (There is a button [ ] the door), “よこ” is the appropriate word because it indicates a position relative to “たて”.
Let’s consider the meanings of these words a bit more.
Look at the illustration below.
Which is correct: “日本のよこの国” (the country beside Japan) or “日本のとなりの国” (the country next to Japan)?
The correct answer is “となり”.
“となり” can be used in a 360-degree direction. If you think of Japan as the reference point and the nearest country to it, it becomes easy to understand.
Summary
[よこ]
- There is “たて”(vertical) to “よこ”(horizontal).
- It refers to a horizontal direction relative to a vertical direction or left and right relative to a front and back direction.
[となり]
- “となり” has a reference point.
- It can be used in a 360-degree direction from that reference point to indicate the nearest thing.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. よこ
たてとよこの列を替えてみよう。
Let’s switch the vertical and horizontal columns.
*Since it is “horizontal” in relation to “vertical,” “よこ” is correct.
A. となり
日本のとなりの国は韓国です。
The country next to Japan is South Korea.
*”となり” is correct because it means the closest country in a 360-degree direction
A. となり
この車両は込んでいるから、となりに行こう。
This train car is crowded, so let’s move to the next one.
*”となり” is correct because the train has a front car (reference point).
A. よこ
机のよこにかばんを置きました。
I placed the bag beside the desk.
*”よこ” is appropriate because it indicates the left or right side of the desk.
Super helpful! Thank you!!
You’re very welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to ask anytime!
勉強になりますね！
ありがとうございます！
Really appreciate your posts👏
I’m glad to hear that! Thanks!!
The illustrations make it very clear. Thanks for your hard work!
Thanks! I’m really glad the illustrations helped.