Translation guide
The English word "quite" has two main uses: as an intensifier meaning "very" or "completely," and as a moderating adverb meaning "fairly" or "to some extent." Japanese expresses these nuances with different adverbs and sentence patterns, and the choice depends on whether you are emphasizing degree or softening a statement.
Express that something is to a high degree or fully the case.
A common and versatile adverb meaning 'considerably' or 'quite.' It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, and is neutral in register.
This movie was quite interesting.
Means 'very' and is often a good match for 'quite' when emphasizing a high degree. Slightly more emphatic than かなり in many contexts.
Means 'completely' or 'absolutely,' used when 'quite' means 'entirely.' Often used with negative expressions or to show strong agreement.
Casual intensifier meaning 'really' or 'very.' Common in spoken Japanese. Can replace 'quite' in informal settings.
A somewhat formal or literary adverb meaning 'indeed' or 'truly.' It adds emphasis and is often used in written language or formal speech.
Soften a statement, indicating a moderate degree.
Express that something is not entirely the case.
The standard way to say 'not quite' or 'not very.' あまり means 'not much' and is used with a negative verb or adjective.
Emphasize that something is remarkable or considerable.
Used before a noun to mean 'quite a ...' It implies that the thing is impressive or notable.
He is quite a cook.
He seems quite tired.
This cake is quite delicious.
I quite don't understand what he's saying.
"This plan is a failure." "I quite agree."
Yesterday's party was quite fun.
それは実に興味深い話だ。
That is a quite fascinating story.
Means 'quite' in the sense of 'fairly' or 'rather.' It implies a higher degree than expected but not extreme. Very common in everyday speech.
The ramen at this shop is quite good.
It's quite cold today, isn't it?
Often used with positive adjectives to mean 'quite' or 'rather,' implying that something is better than expected. It carries a nuance of pleasant surprise.
This wine is quite good.
His Japanese is quite good.
Means 'relatively' or 'comparatively,' often used to mean 'quite' in a moderate sense. Casual and common in conversation.
This movie was quite interesting.
Means 'so-so' or 'passably,' but can be used to mean 'quite' in the sense of 'reasonably.' It implies a satisfactory but not outstanding level.
I did quite well on the exam.
Means 'so-so' or 'not bad.' It can translate to 'quite' in a lukewarm sense, but is weaker than 結構 or なかなか.
The taste was quite okay.
This dish is not quite tasty.
I don't quite know him.
Means 'not that much' or 'not to that extent.' It can be used for 'not quite' when downplaying a degree.
This problem isn't quite that difficult.
Literally 'not completely,' used when 'not quite' means 'not entirely.' More explicit than あまり.
I didn't quite understand his explanation.
That's quite an idea.
Similar to なかなかの, but can also mean 'considerable' in terms of amount or degree. Slightly more formal.
He has quite a fortune.
quite expensive (more than I thought)
English 'quite' has no single Japanese equivalent. Using とても for every 'quite' can sound unnatural. Pay attention to whether you are intensifying or moderating, and choose the appropriate adverb.