Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Very" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "very", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
幼い
おさない (osanai)
N3 / 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 幼い and いとも.
In Japanese, 幼い (おさない (osanai)) is typically associated with "very young, childish, immature" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Describes someone or something as very young or immature. Can apply to age, appearance, or behavior..
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 "幼い"
彼は見た目は大人だが、考え方がまだ幼い。
He looks like an adult, but his way of thinking is still childish.
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: "彼は見た目は大人だが、考え方がまだ ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "He looks like an adult, but his way of thinking is still childish.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "幼い" fits here because it means "very young, childish, immature" in the context of: "He looks like an adult, but his way of thinking is still childish.". "いとも" represents "very, extremely (archaic/literary, often used with adjectives like 簡単, 容易, たやすい)".