Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Very" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "very", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
いとも
いとも (itomo)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
はなはだ
はなはだ (hanahada)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "very" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between いとも and はなはだ.
In Japanese, いとも (いとも (itomo)) is typically associated with "very, extremely (archaic/literary, often used with adjectives like 簡単, 容易, たやすい)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An old-fashioned or literary adverb emphasizing 'very' or 'exceedingly.' It often adds a sense of ease or simplicity and usually precedes an adjective..
On the other hand, はなはだ (はなはだ (hanahada)) maps to "very, greatly (negative)" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "very" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "いとも"
その問題はいとも簡単に解決した。
That problem was solved with extreme ease.
Bilingual Context for "はなはだ"
私ははなはだに興味があります。
I am interested in very, greatly (negative).
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "その問題は ＿＿＿ 簡単に解決した。" (Meaning: "That problem was solved with extreme ease.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "いとも" fits here because it means "very, extremely (archaic/literary, often used with adjectives like 簡単, 容易, たやすい)" in the context of: "That problem was solved with extreme ease.". "はなはだ" represents "very, greatly (negative)".