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.
今日はとても暑いです。
It is extremely hot today.
彼女はとても親切です。
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.
この問題は非常に重要です。
This issue is extremely important.
非常に残念ですが、参加できません。
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.
大変お世話になりました。
I am extremely grateful for your help.
大変申し訳ございません。
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.
このラーメン、すごくおいしい！
This ramen is extremely delicious!
昨日の映画、すごく面白かった。
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.
めっちゃ疲れた。
I'm extremely tired.
Prefix meaning 'super' or 'ultra'. Very casual, often used by younger speakers. Can attach directly to adjectives or nouns.
超楽しい！
Extremely fun!
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.
その行為は極めて危険です。
That act is extremely dangerous.
極めて重要な発見があった。
There was an extremely important discovery.
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'.
ひどく疲れた。
I'm extremely tired (exhausted).
彼はひどく落ち込んでいる。
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.
ものすごく痛い。
It hurts extremely badly.
ものすごく寒い日だった。
It was an extremely cold day.
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).
とても嬉しいです。
I'm very happy. (casual/polite)
非常に嬉しく存じます。
I am extremely pleased. (formal)
大変嬉しく思います。
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.
すごくきれい (correct)
extremely beautiful
すごいきれい (colloquial, grammatically non-standard)
extremely beautiful (casual)
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'.
あまりに暑くて、外に出られない。
It's so extremely hot that I can't go outside.
あの歌手、めっちゃ人気あるよね。
That singer is extremely popular, isn't he?
超かわいい！
Extremely cute!
甚だ遺憾に存じます。
I find it extremely regrettable.