Translation guide
The English word "extremely" is used to intensify adjectives and adverbs. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adverbs and prefixes, each with different nuances, formality levels, and collocations. The most common and versatile equivalent is とても (totemo), but other options like 非常に (hijō ni), すごく (sugoku), and 極めて (kiwamete) are used depending on context.
To express a high degree of something in a neutral or polite manner, suitable for most everyday situations.
The most common and versatile intensifier. Safe for both casual and polite speech. Can be used with most adjectives and adverbs.
It is extremely hot today.
She is extremely kind.
More formal than とても. Often used in written language, formal speeches, or business contexts. Implies a higher degree than とても.
This issue is extremely important.
I am extremely sorry, but I cannot attend.
Similar to 非常に in formality, but can also imply that something is tough or difficult. Often used in polite expressions.
I am extremely grateful for your help.
I am extremely sorry.
To express a high degree in casual conversation, often with emotional emphasis.
Very common in spoken Japanese. Derived from すごい (sugoi). Adds a sense of excitement or surprise. Can be used with adjectives and verbs.
This ramen is extremely delicious!
Yesterday's movie was extremely interesting.
Very casual, originally from Kansai dialect but now used nationwide, especially among younger people. Stronger than すごく.
Prefix meaning 'super' or 'ultra'. Very casual, often used by younger speakers. Can attach directly to adjectives or nouns.
To express an extreme degree in formal writing, academic papers, or official statements.
Means 'extremely' in a formal, often written context. Implies the highest degree. Common in news and reports.
That act is extremely dangerous.
Very formal and somewhat old-fashioned. Often used in negative contexts or with words like 遺憾 (ikan, regrettable).
To emphasize a negative quality or feeling, often with a nuance of 'terribly' or 'awfully'.
From ひどい (hidoi, terrible). Used to intensify negative adjectives or verbs. Can also mean 'badly'.
I'm extremely tired (exhausted).
He is extremely depressed.
From ものすごい (monosugoi, tremendous). Can be used for both positive and negative extremes, but often implies an overwhelming degree.
It hurts extremely badly.
To intensify adjectives or nouns by adding a prefix, often in compound words.
Prefix meaning 'super-' or 'ultra-'. Very productive in casual speech. Can be attached to nouns and adjectives.
Prefix meaning 'intense' or 'extreme'. Often used in casual or slang compounds.
Prefix meaning 'big' or 'great', often used to intensify. Common in both formal and casual words.
とても is the most neutral and widely used. 非常に is more formal and often appears in writing. 大変 is polite and can also mean 'hard' or 'troublesome'. In business settings, 大変 is common in set phrases like 大変申し訳ございません (I am extremely sorry).
I'm very happy. (casual/polite)
I am extremely pleased. (formal)
I am extremely happy. (polite)
While すごい (sugoi) is very common, using it too frequently can sound childish or unsophisticated. In formal situations, opt for とても or 非常に. Also note that すごい is an adjective, so to modify another adjective, use the adverbial form すごく.
extremely beautiful
When 'extremely' implies an excessive degree leading to a negative result, あまりに (amari ni) or あまりにも (amari ni mo) is often used. It translates closer to 'so... that' or 'too'.
It's so extremely hot that I can't go outside.
I'm extremely tired.
That singer is extremely popular, isn't he?
Extremely fun!
Extremely cute!
There was an extremely important discovery.
甚だ遺憾に存じます。
I find it extremely regrettable.
It was an extremely cold day.
like very much (extremely fond of)
extremely beautiful (casual)