Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Even" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "even", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一段と
いちだんと (ichidanto)
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 一段と and すら.
In Japanese, 一段と (いちだんと (ichidanto)) is typically associated with "even more, much more, all the more" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to emphasize that something has become noticeably.
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 "一段と"
寒さが一段と厳しくなった。
The cold became even more severe.
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: "寒さが ＿＿＿ 厳しくなった。" (Meaning: "The cold became even more severe.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一段と" fits here because it means "even more, much more, all the more" in the context of: "The cold became even more severe.". "すら" represents "even (emphatic), to the extent that".