Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Very" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "very", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一生懸命
いっしょうけんめい (isshoukenmei)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
いたって
いたって (itatte)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "very" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一生懸命 and いたって.
In Japanese, 一生懸命 (いっしょうけんめい (isshoukenmei)) is typically associated with "very hard, with all one's might, diligently" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An adverb used to express putting maximum effort into something. Often used with verbs like 勉強する.
On the other hand, いたって (いたって (itatte)) maps to "Very, extremely, to the utmost" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An adverb emphasizing the degree of something, meaning 'extremely' or 'very.' Often used to describe something surprisingly or unexpectedly simple, normal, or good, contrasting with potential expectations.. A literal translation of "very" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "一生懸命"
彼は一生懸命日本語を勉強しています。
He is studying Japanese very hard.
Bilingual Context for "いたって"
彼の病状はいたって安定している。
His condition is extremely stable.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ___ 日本語を勉強しています。" (Meaning: "He is studying Japanese very hard.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一生懸命" fits here because it means "very hard, with all one's might, diligently" in the context of: "He is studying Japanese very hard.". "いたって" represents "Very, extremely, to the utmost".