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
非常に
ひじょうに (hijō ni)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "very" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一生懸命 and 非常に.
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, 非常に (ひじょうに (hijō ni)) maps to "very, extremely, exceedingly" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An adverb used to express a high degree of something. More formal and stronger than 'とても. 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 "非常に"
この問題は非常に難しいです。
This problem is extremely difficult.
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.". "非常に" represents "very, extremely, exceedingly".