Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Even" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "even", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一層
いっそう (issou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
すら
すら (sura)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "even" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一層 and すら.
In Japanese, 一層 (いっそう (issou)) is typically associated with "even more, much more, all the more" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes a greater degree or amount. Often used to indicate an increase in something already existing or expected..
On the other hand, すら (すら (sura)) maps to "even (emphatic), to the extent that" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Particle used to emphasize an extreme or unexpected case, implying that other less extreme cases are also true. Indicates "even X, let alone Y.". A literal translation of "even" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "一層"
彼の話を聞いて、彼女への信頼が__一層__深まった。
Hearing his story, my trust in her deepened even further.
Bilingual Context for "すら"
彼は忙しくて、食事をとる時間すら惜しいと言っていた。
He said he was so busy that he grudged even the time to eat.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の話を聞いて、彼女への信頼が__ ＿＿＿ __深まった。" (Meaning: "Hearing his story, my trust in her deepened even further.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一層" fits here because it means "even more, much more, all the more" in the context of: "Hearing his story, my trust in her deepened even further.". "すら" represents "even (emphatic), to the extent that".