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
なかなか
なかなか (nakanaka)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "quite" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 結構 and なかなか.
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, なかなか (なかなか (nakanaka)) maps to "quite; considerably; not easily (with negative); somehow (with positive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An adverb. When used with a negative expression, it means 'not easily' or 'not readily'. When used with a positive expression, it can mean 'quite' or 'rather', suggesting something better than expected.. 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 "なかなか"
この問題はなかなか難しいです。
This problem is quite difficult.
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?". "なかなか" represents "quite; considerably; not easily (with negative); somehow (with positive)".