Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Very" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "very", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
非常に
ひじょうに (hijō ni)
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 非常に and いたって.
In Japanese, 非常に (ひじょうに (hijō ni)) is typically associated with "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.
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 "非常に"
この問題は非常に難しいです。
This problem is extremely difficult.
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: "この問題は ＿＿＿ 難しいです。" (Meaning: "This problem is extremely difficult.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "非常に" fits here because it means "very, extremely, exceedingly" in the context of: "This problem is extremely difficult.". "いたって" represents "Very, extremely, to the utmost".