Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Extremely" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "extremely", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
甚だ
はなはだ (hanahada)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
至極
しごく (shigoku)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "extremely" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 甚だ and 至極.
In Japanese, 甚だ (はなはだ (hanahada)) is typically associated with "extremely, greatly, intensely" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An adverb used to emphasize a negative or undesirable state/feeling. It has a somewhat formal and older tone, less common in casual conversation. Often used with words like 「恐縮」, 「迷惑」, 「遺憾」..
On the other hand, 至極 (しごく (shigoku)) maps to "extremely, exceedingly, utterly, very (often used with adjectives to emphasize degree)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents An adverb or な-adjective that expresses the highest degree or utmost extent of something, often used in formal or literary contexts. Stronger and more formal than とても. A literal translation of "extremely" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "甚だ"
この度の件につきましては、甚だ遺憾に存じます。
I find this matter extremely regrettable.
Bilingual Context for "至極"
それは至極当然の結論だった。
That was an utterly natural conclusion.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この度の件につきましては、 ＿＿＿ 遺憾に存じます。" (Meaning: "I find this matter extremely regrettable.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "甚だ" fits here because it means "extremely, greatly, intensely" in the context of: "I find this matter extremely regrettable.". "至極" represents "extremely, exceedingly, utterly, very (often used with adjectives to emphasize degree)".