JLPT N3・N4 Vocabulary – The Meaning and Usage of “やっぱり” and “やはり”
Table of Contents
1. The Meaning and Usage of “やっぱり” and “やはり”
2. The Three Main Meanings and Uses of “やっぱり”
3. The Difference Between “やっぱり” and “やはり”
4. Summary
5. Similar Articles
6. Comment
Q: What is the meaning and usage of “やっぱり” and “やはり”?
A: “やっぱり” is the colloquial form of “やはり,” and their meanings are basically the same. However, the nuance differs depending on the context, and they can be broadly classified into three main uses.
This article provides a detailed explanation of the correct usage of “やっぱり,” along with specific meanings and example sentences.
The Three Main Meanings and Uses of “やっぱり”
① When a Prediction Comes True (The Expected Result for the Speaker)
This is used when the speaker makes a prediction, and the result turns out as expected.
[Examples]
(Looking at the weather and predicting rain, which then actually starts to fall)
やっぱり雨が降ってきたね。
It started raining after all.
(Watching a match and predicting a loss, which actually happens)
やっぱり勝てませんでした。
As expected, we couldn’t win.
[Key Point]
This usage often applies when a speaker’s intuition or experience-based prediction turns out to be correct.
② When a Situation or Result Remains Unchanged
This is used when comparing past experiences with the present and realizing that things remain the same.
[Examples]
(Taking the N2 exam last year and finding it difficult, then taking it again this year and feeling the same way)
今年もN2を受けましたが、やっぱり難しかったです。
I took the N2 again this year, and as expected, it was still difficult.
(Having loved Hawaii for a long time, then visiting again after a while and realizing you still love it)
やっぱりハワイが好きです。
I still love Hawaii after all.
[Key Point]
This usage emphasizes that “nothing has changed” from a previous state.
③ When Returning to an Initial Conclusion After Considering Various Options
This is used when the speaker debates or considers different options but ultimately returns to their original decision.
[Examples]
(Thinking about whether to go to a party, but ultimately deciding not to go)
パーティーに行くか考えましたが、やっぱり行かないことにしました。
I thought about going to the party, but in the end, I decided not to go.
(Debating whether to buy an expensive item, but finally deciding to buy it)
買うか買わないか悩んだけど、やっぱり買うことにしました。
I was debating whether to buy it or not, but in the end, I decided to buy it.
[Key Point]
In this case, “やっぱり” has a meaning close to “結局” (in the end) and indicates returning to an original decision after considering other possibilities.
The Difference Between “やっぱり” and “やはり”
“やっぱり” is a casual expression frequently used in daily conversation, whereas “やはり” is more commonly used in formal situations and written language.
| やっぱり | やはり | |
| Formality | Colloquial & Casual | Written & Formal |
| Usage | Daily conversation, casual writing | Academic writing, formal speeches |
| Example Sentence | やっぱりこの映画が好き！ I really do love this movie after all! | やはり、この映画は名作だ。 As expected, this movie is a masterpiece. |
Summary
- “やっぱり” is a colloquial and casual expression, whereas “やはり” is commonly used in formal situations and written language.
- Both are used in the following cases: ① When a prediction comes true, ② When a situation remains unchanged, ③ When one returns to an initial conclusion after considering various options.
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