即ち
JLPT Level: N3
Meanings
In other words
That is
Namely
Usage
文 + 即ち + 文
名詞 + 即ち + 名詞／節
Explanation
即ち is a formal conjunction used to restate or clarify what has been said, similar to "in other words," "that is to say," or "namely." It tends to appear in written or formal spoken Japanese, often to provide a precise redefinition or clarification of a preceding statement. It is stronger and more literary than つまり, and is sometimes used in academic, legal, or technical contexts.
彼は社長を務めている。即ち、会社の最高責任者だ。
かれはしゃちょうをつとめている。すなわち、かいしゃのさいこうせきにんしゃだ。
He is the president. In other words, he is the top executive of the company.
彼は日本人、即ち日本の国籍を持つ。
かれはにほんじん、すなわちにほんのこくせきをもつ。
He is Japanese, that is, a person who holds Japanese nationality.
この法案は複雑だ。即ち、複数の専門家が関与している。
このほうあんはふくざつだ。すなわち、ふくすうのせんもんかがかんよしている。
This bill is complex. In other words, several experts are involved.