Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "大変", "幼い", "至って", "非常に"
All represent the core concept "very", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
大変
たいへん (taihen)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
幼い
おさない (osanai)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
至って
いたって (itatte)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
非常に
ひじょうに (hijō ni)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "very" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "大変", "幼い", "至って", "非常に" based on context.
- 大変 (たいへん (taihen) - Level: N4): Maps to "very, terribly; difficult, tough; serious, awful" and is used when Can function as an adverb.
- 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..
- 至って (いたって (itatte) - Level: N3): Maps to "very; extremely; exceedingly" and is used when 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'..
- 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.
Context for "大変"
日本語の勉強は大変ですが、楽しいです。
Studying Japanese is difficult, but fun.
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 "至って"
彼女の態度は至って普通だった。
Her attitude was extremely ordinary.
Context for "非常に"
この問題は非常に難しいです。
This problem is extremely difficult.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "日本語の勉強は ＿＿＿ ですが、楽しいです。" (Meaning: "Studying Japanese is difficult, but fun.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "大変" is correct here because it represents "very, terribly; difficult, tough; serious, awful" in the context: "Studying Japanese is difficult, but fun.".