Japanese symbol for “namely”
即ち
すなわち
Romaji: sunawachi
that is (to say); namely; i.e.; or
In Japanese, namely is 即ち, read すなわち (sunawachi).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- conj that is (to say); namely; i.e.; or
- conj precisely; exactly; just; nothing but; neither more nor less
- conj if one does ..., then; in that case; then
- conj so; accordingly; thereupon; then
Written forms: 即ち、則ち、乃ち、便ち. Readings: すなわち、つなわち.
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “namely”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 取りも直さず | とりもなおさず torimonaosazu | namely; that is (to say); in other words |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 即座 | そくざ sokuza | immediate; right there on the spot; impromptu |
| 即日 | そくじつ sokujitsu | (on) the same day |
| 即時 | そくじ sokuji | prompt; immediate; in real time |
| 即席 | そくせき sokuseki | impromptu; improvised; extempore |
| 即死 | そくし sokushi | instant death |
See also: Chinese symbol for “namely”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.