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
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 幼い and 非常に.
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, 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 "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 "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.". "非常に" represents "very, extremely, exceedingly".