Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Very" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "very", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
とても
とても (totemo)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
大いに
おおいに (ōini)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "very" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between とても and 大いに.
In Japanese, とても (とても (totemo)) is typically associated with "very, extremely" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents 形容詞や動詞の程度を強調する副詞です。肯定文でよく使われます。.
On the other hand, 大いに (おおいに (ōini)) maps to "very; greatly; largely; much; to a large extent" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An adverb emphasizing a large degree or extent. Often used in formal or literary contexts, but also in daily conversation to express strong feelings or enthusiasm.. A literal translation of "very" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "とても"
この映画はとても面白いです。
This movie is very interesting.
Bilingual Context for "大いに"
彼の意見は大いに参考になった。
His opinion was very helpful.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この映画は ＿＿＿ 面白いです。" (Meaning: "This movie is very interesting.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "とても" fits here because it means "very, extremely" in the context of: "This movie is very interesting.". "大いに" represents "very; greatly; largely; much; to a large extent".