Translation guide
Describes something very large, important, or historically significant. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you mean physically huge, historically important, or a major achievement.
Describing an event, decision, or work that has great historical importance or lasting impact.
Means 'historic' or 'historical', often used for events or achievements of great significance.
This is a monumental event.
Means 'epoch-making' or 'groundbreaking', used for innovations or achievements that mark a turning point.
That invention was monumental.
Means 'serious' or 'grave', often used for important decisions or matters with significant consequences.
This is a monumental decision.
Means 'immortal' or 'everlasting', used for works of art or achievements that will never be forgotten. Often in the phrase 不朽の名作 (immortal masterpiece).
This is a monumental masterpiece.
Describing something physically huge, massive, or imposing, like a building or statue.
Means 'huge' or 'gigantic', the most common word for enormous physical size.
That monument is monumental in size.
Means 'magnificent' or 'grand', often used for scale that inspires awe, like a grand project or landscape.
Means 'extraordinary' or 'immense', often implying something is beyond normal scale or imagination.
Describing a task, work, or accomplishment that is extremely difficult or impressive.
Means 'great' or 'grand', used for achievements or people of outstanding merit.
That is a monumental achievement.
Means 'tremendous' or 'immense' in terms of effort or difficulty. Often used in the phrase 大変な仕事 (a monumental task).
Means 'not ordinary' or 'not easy', emphasizing that something requires extraordinary effort.
His effort was monumental.
The English word 'monumental' is often used figuratively for importance or scale. Direct translations like 記念碑的 (きねんひてき) are not natural in Japanese. Use the words above depending on context.
壮大な計画だ。
It's a monumental plan.
It's a building of monumental size.
これは大変な仕事だ。
This is a monumental task.