synonym Comparative
もったいない
VS
一体
Differences Between "もったいない" and "一体"
Option A
もったいない
Meaning
wasteful, what a waste; too good for
Reading
もったいない (mottainai)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
まだ食べられるのに捨てるなんて、もったいない。
It's a waste to throw it away when it's still edible.
Option B
一体
Meaning
(what/who/where/when/how) in the world; what on earth
Reading
いったい (ittai)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
一体何があったのか、教えてください。
Please tell me what on earth happened.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(wasteful, what a waste; too good for)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- もったいない: 資源や機会の無駄遣いを後悔する気持ち、または、分不相応であること（もったいない）を表すのに使われる表現です。 / An expression used to convey regret over wastefulness (e.g., food, resources, opportunities) or to say something is too good for someone/something (more than one deserves).
- 一体: Used as an intensifier with interrogative words (何, 誰, どこ, いつ, どう) to express surprise, bewilderment, or exasperation. Can also mean 'one body' or 'united'.
- もったいない: 資源や機会の無駄遣いを後悔する気持ち、または、分不相応であること（もったいない）を表すのに使われる表現です。 / An expression used to convey regret over wastefulness (e.g., food, resources, opportunities) or to say something is too good for someone/something (more than one deserves).
- 一体: Used as an intensifier with interrogative words (何, 誰, どこ, いつ, どう) to express surprise, bewilderment, or exasperation. Can also mean 'one body' or 'united'.
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