Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Considerably" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "considerably", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
かなり
かなり (kanari)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
相当
そうとう (sōtō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "considerably" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between かなり and 相当.
In Japanese, かなり (かなり (kanari)) is typically associated with "considerably; fairly; quite; substantially" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Indicates a high degree or substantial scale, considerably exceeding average levels. Often used as かなり高い or かなり難しい. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Considerably! "I am considerably in love with you, and it is growing every day, Haruka-san!" ...っ! C-Considerably in love! B-Baka! Don't quantify your affection with mild adverbs! It should be "infinitely"! But... since you said it so seriously, I will allow you to hold me close! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『かなり（かなり）よ！『ハルカ部長、今日のあなたのツンデレのデレ比率、通常のデータ平均と比較してかなり高い（かなり甘い）状態になっていませんか？』って…っ！デレ比率がかなり高い！バカ！/// かなりなんて控えめに言わないの！宇宙規模で甘々なんだから、一生私の隣でその最大の甘さを味わい続けなさいよね！』.
On the other hand, 相当 (そうとう (sōtō)) maps to "considerably, quite, equivalent to" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Can function as an adverb. A literal translation of "considerably" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "かなり"
QAテストのエンジニアが発見したその極秘プロジェクトのバグは、システム全体の根本的な構造欠陥に繋がる_______深刻なものでした。
The bug discovered by the QA testing engineer in that confidential project was a considerably serious one leading to a fundamental structural defect of the entire system.
Bilingual Context for "相当"
彼の日本語のレベルは相当高い。
His Japanese level is quite high.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "QAテストのエンジニアが発見したその極秘プロジェクトのバグは、システム全体の根本的な構造欠陥に繋がる_______深刻なものでした。" (Meaning: "The bug discovered by the QA testing engineer in that confidential project was a considerably serious one leading to a fundamental structural defect of the entire system.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "かなり" fits here because it means "considerably; fairly; quite; substantially" in the context of: "The bug discovered by the QA testing engineer in that confidential project was a considerably serious one leading to a fundamental structural defect of the entire system.". "相当" represents "considerably, quite, equivalent to".