Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Quite" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "quite", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
結構
けっこう (kekkou)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
ごく
ごく (goku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "quite" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 結構 and ごく.
In Japanese, 結構 (けっこう (kekkou)) is typically associated with "quite, fairly; enough, no thank you" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Adverb or な-adjective. Can mean 'quite good/fairly'.
On the other hand, ごく (ごく (goku)) maps to "quite, very, extremely (often with small quantity/degree)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An adverb meaning 'very' or 'quite', typically used to emphasize a small quantity, degree, or rarity. Often paired with words like わずか, 一部, 少数.. A literal translation of "quite" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "結構"
この料理は結構おいしいですね。
This dish is quite delicious, isn't it?
Bilingual Context for "ごく"
これはごく一部の人が知っている情報だ。
This is information known by only a very small number of people.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この料理は ＿＿＿ おいしいですね。" (Meaning: "This dish is quite delicious, isn't it?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "結構" fits here because it means "quite, fairly; enough, no thank you" in the context of: "This dish is quite delicious, isn't it?". "ごく" represents "quite, very, extremely (often with small quantity/degree)".