The Difference Between “大人向け” and “大人向き”
“Should I use ‘大人向け’ or ‘大人向き’? Aren’t they the same in meaning?” “Is ‘子供向けのゲームも大人向きなものがある’ natural Japanese?” “Is ‘この映画は大人向けですが、内容は面白いので子どもでも楽しめます’ correct Japanese?”
“大人向け” and “大人向き” may seem similar, but they have distinct differences. These terms can be particularly confusing for Japanese learners at the beginning stages.
In this article, Eri, a staff member at JPLT Online Japanese Language School, will explain the differences between these terms with clear examples.
Why Are “大人向け” and “大人向き” Often Confused?
There are several reasons why learners might mix up “大人向け” and “大人向き”:
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Similar Meanings: Both terms include “大人” (adult), which can lead to confusion.
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Context-Dependent Usage: It can be difficult to determine which term is appropriate depending on the context.
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Different Uses in Spoken and Written Language: Depending on the situation, one term might sound more natural than the other.
The Difference Between “大人向け” and “大人向き”
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大人向け:
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Clearly indicates the target audience. It means “designed for adults.”
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For example, “大人向けの漫画” means a manga created with content and expression suitable for adults.
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大人向き:
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Indicates suitability. It means “suitable for adults.”
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For example, “このワインは大人向き” means the wine suits adult tastes.
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Let’s Compare Using Examples!
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Word
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Example
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Nuance
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|---|---|---|
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大人向け
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大人向けの映画を観に行こう。
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A movie intended for adults
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大人向き
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この本は、内容が深くて大人向きだと思う。
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A book with content suitable for adults
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A Deeper Look
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“向け”: Emphasizes the target audience. It indicates that something is created with a specific group in mind.
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“向き”: Emphasizes suitability. It indicates that something is appropriate or fitting for a particular group.
Summary
The Difference Between “大人向け” and “大人向き”
Both “大人向け” and “大人向き” use the term “大人,” but they have slightly different meanings:
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大人向け: Indicates that something is intended for adults.
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大人向き: Indicates that something is suitable for adults.
Understanding these differences will help you speak more naturally in Japanese. If you want to make your Japanese learning more enjoyable and efficient, we highly recommend JPLT Online Japanese School. At JPLT, learners from all over the world can take one-on-one or group lessons with native teachers. With a variety of courses, including preparation for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and daily conversation practice, you can tailor your learning to your level and goals.
At JPLT Online Japanese School, even complex Japanese grammar, such as “大人向け,” can be broken down into more digestible lessons, making it easier to understand and master.
Check out JPLT Online Japanese School for more details: https://jplt-dialogplus.com/
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