Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Mostly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "mostly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
大抵
たいてい (taitei)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
大方
おおかた (ōkata)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "mostly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 大抵 and 大方.
In Japanese, 大抵 (たいてい (taitei)) is typically associated with "mostly; usually; generally" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Indicates that something happens or is true in most cases, but not always. It expresses high frequency or a general tendency. Often used before nouns with の.
On the other hand, 大方 (おおかた (ōkata)) maps to "mostly, generally, for the most part; most people/things" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates that something is almost complete, or that most people share a certain opinion/action. Can be an adverb or a noun.. A literal translation of "mostly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "大抵"
彼は大抵、朝食にパンを食べます。
He usually eats bread for breakfast.
Bilingual Context for "大方"
その計画は、大方完成している。
That plan is mostly complete.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ 、朝食にパンを食べます。" (Meaning: "He usually eats bread for breakfast.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "大抵" fits here because it means "mostly; usually; generally" in the context of: "He usually eats bread for breakfast.". "大方" represents "mostly, generally, for the most part; most people/things".