Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "一生懸命", "幼い", "非常に", "いたって"
All represent the core concept "very", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
一生懸命
いっしょうけんめい (isshoukenmei)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
幼い
おさない (osanai)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
非常に
ひじょうに (hijō ni)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
いたって
いたって (itatte)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "very" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "一生懸命", "幼い", "非常に", "いたって" based on context.
- 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.
- 幼い (おさない (osanai) - Level: N3): Maps to "very young, childish, immature" and is used when Describes someone or something as very young or immature. Can apply to age, appearance, or behavior..
- 非常に (ひじょうに (hijō ni) - Level: N3): Maps to "very, extremely, exceedingly" and is used when An adverb used to express a high degree of something. More formal and stronger than 'とても.
- いたって (いたって (itatte) - Level: N2): Maps to "Very, extremely, to the utmost" and is used when 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..
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 "幼い"
彼は見た目は大人だが、考え方がまだ幼い。
He looks like an adult, but his way of thinking is still childish.
Context for "非常に"
この問題は非常に難しいです。
This problem is extremely difficult.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ 日本語を勉強しています。" (Meaning: "He is studying Japanese very hard.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一生懸命" is correct here because it represents "very hard, with all one's might, diligently" in the context: "He is studying Japanese very hard.".