他に
Other, Another, Any other, Anything else, As well as, Besides, In addition
Structure
(その(1)) + 他 + にも(2)
Noun + の + 他 + にも(2)
Verb + 他 + にも(2)
(その(1)) + 他 + には(3) + Phrase[ない]
Noun + の + 他 + には(3) + Phrase[ない]
Verb + 他 + には(3) + Phrase[ない]
(1) この
(2) に、も、は、には
(3) に、は
Explanation
The grammar point 他に can be tricky for many learners, so let's break it down carefully. By itself, the word 他 simply means 'other' or 'another'. The particle に marks this 'other thing' as the focus of the action or state that follows. Here are the common variations:
他に - In addition; besides.
他に(も) - Also in addition; as well.
他に(は) - Other than this (emphasizes contrast).
- 他に、質問はありますか。Do you have any other questions?
- 寿司の他にも何か注文しますか。Will you be ordering anything else besides the sushi?
- 他には見られない景色を見たい。I want to see a view that can't be seen anywhere else. (A unique view)
- そのシャツは汚れているから、他のシャツを着てください。That shirt is dirty, so please wear a different one.
While 他に(は) can be seen in both affirmative and negative contexts, you will encounter it far more frequently in negative sentences.
- 仕事の他には何か趣味はありますか。Other than your job, do you have any hobbies?
- 私の他には、この問題を解ける人はいません。Other than me, there is no one who can solve this problem.
Caution
The phrase 他に(も) emphasizes 'addition', so it sounds unnatural in negative statements. However, it is perfectly acceptable in negative questions.
- 食べたいものは、この他にもない。There is also nothing else I want to eat besides this. (Unnatural Japanese)
- この他にも方法はありませんか?Aren't there any other methods besides this one? (Natural Japanese)
This distinction works because negative questions in Japanese often carry a suggestive nuance, similar to asking 'Isn't there...?' in English. This makes the question sound natural where a direct negative statement would not.
これ他にもない - In addition to this, there is also nothing (sounds odd in English!)
これ他にもないか - In addition to this, isn't there something else? (sounds natural in English!)
Examples
他は大丈夫ですか。
Is everything else okay?
ううん、他は何も食べていません。
No, I haven't eaten anything else.
他の店のほうがおいしいですよ。
The other restaurant is tastier.
他の選択肢はないのだろうか。
I wonder if there are no other options.
彼のことの他には何も考えられない。
I can't think about anything but him.
もう待つ他はない。
There's nothing to do but wait now.
このペンはインクがないから、他のを貸してください。
This pen is out of ink, so please lend me another one.
日本語が上手ですね。他の言語も話せますか。
Your Japanese is very good. Can you speak any other languages?
コーヒーだけですか。その他にも何か召し上がりますか。
Just coffee? Will you be having anything else besides that?
他に、何か手伝うことはありますか。
Is there anything else I can help you with?
この映画はあまり好きじゃないから、他の映画が見たい。
I don't really like this movie, so I want to see a different one.
この店には、この色の他にもありますか。
Do you have any other colors besides this one?