ずいぶん
Meanings
1
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
very; extremely; quite; considerably
usually written using kana alone
Adverb expressing a high degree, often with a nuance of surprise or unexpectedness. Used with adjectives, verbs, and nouns.
You've grown so much!
I waited quite a while, but he didn't come.
2
terrible; horrid; contemptible
usually written using kana alone
Adjectival use expressing strong negative judgment about a person or situation. Often used with だ/な.
That's a terrible thing to say.
3
usually written using kana alone
Adjectival use expressing strong positive or neutral surprise at something outstanding. Less common than the adverbial sense.
His talent is truly remarkable.
Usage patterns
- 随分〈形容詞〉quite/very ~ (with a sense of surprise)
It's really cold today, isn't it?
- 随分と〈動詞〉to have really/quite ~ (a change, action)
He's really changed a lot, hasn't he?
- 随分な〈事〉that's outrageous/terrible (a thing said or done)
That's a pretty terrible thing to say.
- 随分〈時〉が経つquite a while has passed
Quite a lot of time has passed since then.