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
いとも
いとも (itomo)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "very" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 至って and いとも.
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 "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.". "いとも" represents "very, extremely (archaic/literary, often used with adjectives like 簡単, 容易, たやすい)".