すなわち

• Reading: すなわち
• Romaji: sunawachi
• Kanji breakdown: 即 (soku) — immediate, namely, conform (kanji form 即ち is rarely used)
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.na.wa.tɕi/

Meaning

That is to say; namely; i.e. Used to define or specify what was just mentioned.

A formal conjunction used to introduce a definition, equivalence, or precise restatement: A、すなわちB (A, that is, B). More formal and precise than つまり — while つまり summarises or paraphrases, すなわち equates two things directly. Common in academic writing, news, and legal documents.

Examples

1. 首都、すなわち東京は日本の政治の中心だ。 The capital, namely Tokyo, is the political center of Japan.
2. この薬は処方箋、すなわち医師の指示が必要です。 This medication requires a prescription, that is, a doctor's instructions.
3. 彼が辞任した。すなわち新しいリーダーが必要だ。 He resigned. In other words, a new leader is needed.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, legal, news

Tone: precise

Origin & History

Written in kanji as 即ち, from 即 (soku, immediate/namely). The character 即 depicts a person kneeling before a vessel of food — 'right there, at that very spot' — evolving into 'that is precisely.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal