Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Extremely" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "extremely", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
至難
しなん (shinan)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
すこぶる
すこぶる (sukoburu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "extremely" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 至難 and すこぶる.
In Japanese, 至難 (しなん (shinan)) is typically associated with "extremely difficult, arduous, insurmountable" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes the extreme difficulty or near impossibility of a task, often implying that it requires great effort, skill, or luck..
On the other hand, すこぶる (すこぶる (sukoburu)) maps to "extremely, very, considerably" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used with adjectives or verbs, especially when expressing a strong degree of something. It can sound a bit formal or literary.. A literal translation of "extremely" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "至難"
この問題を解決するのは至難の業だ。
Solving this problem is an extremely difficult task.
Bilingual Context for "すこぶる"
今朝はすこぶる調子が良い。
I'm in excellent condition this morning.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この問題を解決するのは ＿＿＿ の業だ。" (Meaning: "Solving this problem is an extremely difficult task.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "至難" fits here because it means "extremely difficult, arduous, insurmountable" in the context of: "Solving this problem is an extremely difficult task.". "すこぶる" represents "extremely, very, considerably".