How to Use Tonikaku and Toriaezu To Improve Your Japanese Now!

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 ↓ 

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:

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?
We’d love to hear your experience in the comment section!?
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