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
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 至って and 非常に.
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, 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 "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 "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.". "非常に" represents "very, extremely, exceedingly".