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
至って
いたって (itatte)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "very" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between とても and 至って.
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, 至って (いたって (itatte)) maps to "very; extremely; exceedingly" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An adverb used to emphasize a high degree of something, often implying a surprising or unexpected extent. It's a slightly more formal expression than 'とても'.. 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 "至って"
彼女の態度は至って普通だった。
Her attitude was extremely ordinary.
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.". "至って" represents "very; extremely; exceedingly".