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
大いに
おおいに (ōini)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "very" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 大変 and 大いに.
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, 大いに (おおいに (ōini)) maps to "very; greatly; largely; much; to a large extent" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An adverb emphasizing a large degree or extent. Often used in formal or literary contexts, but also in daily conversation to express strong feelings or enthusiasm.. 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 "大いに"
彼の意見は大いに参考になった。
His opinion was very helpful.
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.". "大いに" represents "very; greatly; largely; much; to a large extent".