The sentence ‘Scientists have only lately discovered what leads to the changes in the brains of those with savant syndrome.’ may seem confusing when translated, especially the use of the word ‘only’ and the addition of ‘finally’ in Japanese. In this article, we’ll explain the nuances of translating ‘only’ and why ‘finally’ is added in the Japanese version.
Breaking Down the Sentence Structure
The sentence in question refers to something that has been discovered recently. The word ‘only’ here emphasizes the timing — that it is recent. In English, ‘only’ can mean that something has occurred later than expected or that it’s a relatively recent event.
The Role of ‘Only’ and ‘Lately’
In English, ‘only’ serves to convey a sense of limitation or restriction, indicating that the discovery has been made not long ago. ‘Lately’ also emphasizes recentness, and combined with ‘only,’ it strengthens the idea that this discovery was delayed. In Japanese, this delayed sense is captured by adding ‘やっと,’ which translates to ‘finally.’
Why ‘Finally’ (やっと) is Used in Japanese Translation
The Japanese translation often includes ‘やっと’ to reflect a sense of relief or an overdue event, something that has happened after a long wait. While ‘only’ in English does not explicitly convey this sense, the addition of ‘やっと’ in Japanese makes the timing of the discovery more emotionally apparent to the reader, indicating that the discovery was anticipated but took time.
Conclusion: How ‘Only’ Translates to Japanese
In conclusion, the word ‘only’ in English serves to show that something happened recently, but it also implies that it took longer than expected. The Japanese translation uses ‘やっと’ to emphasize this delay and convey the idea of something finally happening. Understanding these subtle differences in translation can help clarify why ‘finally’ is added in this context.
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