Translation guide
Expresses that something almost happened or was extremely close to happening, but ultimately did not. In Japanese, this is conveyed through adverbs, set phrases, and grammatical patterns that emphasize a narrow margin.
To say that an action or event was extremely close to occurring, but did not actually happen.
A common pattern meaning 'almost did something' or 'was on the verge of'. It emphasizes that the action was narrowly avoided. The verb before ところ is in the dictionary form.
I very nearly missed the train.
I very nearly forgot.
An adverbial phrase meaning 'by a hair's breadth' or 'very nearly'. It is often used with verbs in the past tense to describe a narrowly avoided negative outcome.
I very nearly had an accident.
An adverb meaning 'almost' or 'narrowly', often used with past tense verbs to indicate a close call, typically with negative consequences.
I was very nearly tricked.
Means 'almost' or 'nearly'. It can be used with verbs to indicate that an action was almost completed, but it is less dramatic than the patterns above.
The work is very nearly finished.
To describe being extremely close to a particular emotional or physical state.
Attached to the negative stem of a verb (the form before ない), this pattern means 'as if about to...' or 'on the verge of...'. It is often used with verbs of emotion or action.
She was very nearly crying with anger.
Used with the stem of a verb + そう to mean 'looks like it's about to...'. It conveys an imminent action or state.
It looks like it's very nearly going to rain.
To indicate that a number, amount, or degree is almost at a certain level.
An adverb meaning 'almost' or 'roughly', used with numbers, quantities, or states to indicate near completeness.
Preparations are very nearly complete.
Very nearly everyone agreed.
Also used for quantities, meaning 'almost all' or 'nearly'. It can be used with nouns and numbers.
Both express a narrow escape. もう少しで〜ところだった is more conversational and can be used for everyday situations. すんでのところで is slightly more dramatic and often used for serious or dangerous situations.
I very nearly fell.
I very nearly lost my life.
The English phrase 'very nearly' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating word-for-word (e.g., 非常にほとんど) will sound unnatural. Use the patterns and adverbs provided based on context.
ほとんど毎日ジョギングをしている。
I go jogging very nearly every day.