Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "とても", "一生懸命", "大いに", "いとも"
All represent the core concept "very", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
とても
とても (totemo)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
一生懸命
いっしょうけんめい (isshoukenmei)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
大いに
おおいに (ōini)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
いとも
いとも (itomo)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "very" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "とても", "一生懸命", "大いに", "いとも" based on context.
- とても (とても (totemo) - Level: N5): Maps to "very, extremely" and is used when 形容詞や動詞の程度を強調する副詞です。肯定文でよく使われます。.
- 一生懸命 (いっしょうけんめい (isshoukenmei) - Level: N4): Maps to "very hard, with all one's might, diligently" and is used when An adverb used to express putting maximum effort into something. Often used with verbs like 勉強する.
- 大いに (おおいに (ōini) - Level: N3): Maps to "very; greatly; largely; much; to a large extent" and is used when An adverb emphasizing a large degree or extent. Often used in formal or literary contexts, but also in daily conversation to express strong feelings or enthusiasm..
- いとも (いとも (itomo) - Level: N2): Maps to "very, extremely (archaic/literary, often used with adjectives like 簡単, 容易, たやすい)" and is used when An old-fashioned or literary adverb emphasizing 'very' or 'exceedingly.' It often adds a sense of ease or simplicity and usually precedes an adjective..
Context for "とても"
この映画はとても面白いです。
This movie is very interesting.
Context for "一生懸命"
彼は一生懸命日本語を勉強しています。
He is studying Japanese very hard.
Context for "大いに"
彼の意見は大いに参考になった。
His opinion was very helpful.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この映画は ＿＿＿ 面白いです。" (Meaning: "This movie is very interesting.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "とても" is correct here because it represents "very, extremely" in the context: "This movie is very interesting.".