Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Very" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "very", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
大変
たいへん (taihen)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
一生懸命
いっしょうけんめい (isshoukenmei)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "very" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 大変 and 一生懸命.
In Japanese, 大変 (たいへん (taihen)) is typically associated with "very, terribly; difficult, tough; serious, awful" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Can function as an adverb.
On the other hand, 一生懸命 (いっしょうけんめい (isshoukenmei)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "very" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "大変"
日本語の勉強は大変ですが、楽しいです。
Studying Japanese is difficult, but fun.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "日本語の勉強は ＿＿＿ ですが、楽しいです。" (Meaning: "Studying Japanese is difficult, but fun.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "大変" fits here because it means "very, terribly; difficult, tough; serious, awful" in the context of: "Studying Japanese is difficult, but fun.". "一生懸命" represents "very hard, with all one's might, diligently".