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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

いとも

いとも (itomo)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "very" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一生懸命 and いとも. 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, いとも (いとも (itomo)) maps to "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.. 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 "いとも"
その問題はいとも簡単に解決した。
That problem was solved with extreme ease.

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.". "いとも" represents "very, extremely (archaic/literary, often used with adjectives like 簡単, 容易, たやすい)".