Translation guide
The English word "very" intensifies adjectives and adverbs. In Japanese, intensification is often expressed through adverbs, prefixes, or special adjective forms. The most common equivalent is とても, but many other options exist depending on formality, degree, and collocation.
Express that something is very [adjective] in a neutral or formal context.
The most common and versatile intensifier. Suitable for most situations, from casual to formal.
This cake is very delicious.
It's very hot today.
More formal and emphatic than とても. Common in writing and formal speech.
This problem is very difficult.
Formal, often used in business or polite contexts. Can also mean 'terrible' as a noun, but as an adverb it means 'very'.
Thank you very much for your help.
Express 'very' in casual conversation with more emotion.
Very common in casual speech. Derived from すごい (amazing).
It was really fun!
This ramen is really good.
Very casual, slangy. Common among younger speakers, originally from Kansai dialect.
Prefix meaning 'super' or 'ultra'. Very casual, often used by young people.
Intensify a negative adjective like 'not good', 'not interesting'.
Attach a prefix to an adjective to mean 'very' or 'extremely'.
Prefix meaning 'completely' or 'very'. Used with colors and some adjectives: 真っ白 (pure white), 真っ暗 (pitch dark).
It's pitch dark outside.
Prefix meaning 'big' or 'very'. Used with some adjectives: 大好き (like very much), 大嫌い (hate very much).
I like dogs very much.
Use the て-form of an adjective to mean 'very' in a more emotive way.
Reduplicating the て-form of an adjective can intensify it. 怖くて怖くて = so scared, very scared.
I'm so happy I can't stand it.
While とても is safe, using it too much can sound stiff. In casual conversation, すごく or めっちゃ are more natural.
That's really great!
とても is for positive statements, あまり is for negative statements. とてもおいしい (very delicious) vs あまりおいしくない (not very delicious).
I'm super tired.
Super cute!
そんなに高くないよ。
It's not that expensive.