synonym Comparative
大変
VS
大した
Differences Between "大変" and "大した"
Option A
大変
Meaning
very, terribly; difficult, tough; serious, awful
Reading
たいへん (taihen)
Syllabus Level
N4
Practical Example
日本語の勉強は大変ですが、楽しいです。
Studying Japanese is difficult, but fun.
Option B
大した
Meaning
significant, great, awful (often with negation)
Reading
たいした (taishita)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
大した問題じゃないよ。
It's not a big deal.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(very, terribly; difficult, tough; serious, awful)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 大変: Can function as an adverb (very) or a な-adjective (difficult, awful). Often expresses hardship or difficulty. Also used as an exclamation 'Oh dear!' or 'That's terrible!'.
- 大した: Often used in negative sentences like「大したことない」(not a big deal) to diminish importance, or positively for 'great achievement' (e.g., 大した努力).
- 大変: Can function as an adverb (very) or a な-adjective (difficult, awful). Often expresses hardship or difficulty. Also used as an exclamation 'Oh dear!' or 'That's terrible!'.
- 大した: Often used in negative sentences like「大したことない」(not a big deal) to diminish importance, or positively for 'great achievement' (e.g., 大した努力).
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