Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Remarkably" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "remarkably", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
めっきり
めっきり (mekkiri)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
格段
かくだん (kakudan)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "remarkably" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between めっきり and 格段.
In Japanese, めっきり (めっきり (mekkiri)) is typically associated with "remarkably; noticeably; significantly (of change)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies a noticeable or sudden change, often in weather, health, or an atmosphere. Usually indicates a significant decline or improvement. 天候、健康、雰囲気などが「はっきりと」「急に」変化したときに使います。.
On the other hand, 格段 (かくだん (kakudan)) maps to "remarkably, significantly, by far" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An adverb used to emphasize a considerable difference or improvement. Often used with verbs like 「格段に向上する. A literal translation of "remarkably" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "めっきり"
最近、父はめっきり老け込んだ。
Recently, my father has noticeably aged.
Bilingual Context for "格段"
彼の日本語は格段に上達した。
His Japanese has improved remarkably.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "最近、父は ＿＿＿ 老け込んだ。" (Meaning: "Recently, my father has noticeably aged.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "めっきり" fits here because it means "remarkably; noticeably; significantly (of change)" in the context of: "Recently, my father has noticeably aged.". "格段" represents "remarkably, significantly, by far".