Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Very" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "very", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
至って
いたって (itatte)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
いたって
いたって (itatte)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "very" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 至って and いたって.
In Japanese, 至って (いたって (itatte)) is typically associated with "very; extremely; exceedingly" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An adverb used to emphasize a high degree of something, often implying a surprising or unexpected extent. It's a slightly more formal expression than 'とても'..
On the other hand, いたって (いたって (itatte)) maps to "Very, extremely, to the utmost" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An adverb emphasizing the degree of something, meaning 'extremely' or 'very.' Often used to describe something surprisingly or unexpectedly simple, normal, or good, contrasting with potential expectations.. A literal translation of "very" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "至って"
彼女の態度は至って普通だった。
Her attitude was extremely ordinary.
Bilingual Context for "いたって"
彼の病状はいたって安定している。
His condition is extremely stable.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女の態度は ＿＿＿ 普通だった。" (Meaning: "Her attitude was extremely ordinary.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "至って" fits here because it means "very; extremely; exceedingly" in the context of: "Her attitude was extremely ordinary.". "いたって" represents "Very, extremely, to the utmost".