Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Tremendous" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "tremendous", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
絶大
ぜつだい (zetsudai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
すさまじい
すさまじい (susamajii)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "tremendous" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 絶大 and すさまじい.
In Japanese, 絶大 (ぜつだい (zetsudai)) is typically associated with "tremendous, immense, enormous, absolute" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used to describe something having immense power, influence, or importance. 非常に大きな力、影響力、または重要性を持つことを表す際に使われます。.
On the other hand, すさまじい (すさまじい (susamajii)) maps to "tremendous, dreadful, fierce, terrible, prodigious, amazing" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something extremely intense, powerful, or astonishing, often with a sense of awe or fear. It can be used for both positive. A literal translation of "tremendous" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "絶大"
彼はチームにとって絶大な信頼を得ている。
He has gained tremendous trust from the team.
Bilingual Context for "すさまじい"
昨夜の嵐はすさまじい勢いだった。
Last night's storm was tremendously powerful.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はチームにとって ＿＿＿ な信頼を得ている。" (Meaning: "He has gained tremendous trust from the team.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "絶大" fits here because it means "tremendous, immense, enormous, absolute" in the context of: "He has gained tremendous trust from the team.". "すさまじい" represents "tremendous, dreadful, fierce, terrible, prodigious, amazing".