Mastering Degree Expressions in Japanese

Degree expressions in Japanese are essential tools for describing intensity, extent, or degree of an action or quality. They are commonly used in daily conversation and writing, adding nuance and specificity to your expressions. This blog post explores patterns like とても (“very”) and あまり (“not very”) along with other degree expressions, providing details on their usage, nuances, and examples.

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1. Basic Degree Expressions

とても (Totemo) – “Very”

• Usage: Used to emphasize a high degree of something.
• Structure:
  とても + adjective/adverb
  Example:
  • このケーキはとてもおいしいです。
    (Kono kēki wa totemo oishii desu.)
    → This cake is very delicious.
  • 彼はとても速く走ります。
    (Kare wa totemo hayaku hashirimasu.)
    → He runs very fast.

あまり (Amari) – “Not very” (with negative forms)

• Usage: Indicates a low degree of something and is used with negative forms of verbs or adjectives.
• Structure:
  あまり + negative form of adjective/verb
  Example:
  • あの映画はあまりおもしろくなかったです。
    (Ano eiga wa amari omoshiroku nakatta desu.)
    → That movie wasn’t very interesting.
  • 天気はあまり良くありませんでした。
    (Tenki wa amari yoku arimasen deshita.)
    → The weather wasn’t very good.

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2. Other Common Degree Expressions

少し / ちょっと (Sukoshi / Chotto) – “A little”

• Usage: Indicates a small degree or extent. ちょっと is more casual than 少し.
• Structure:
  少し/ちょっと + adjective/verb
  Example:
  • 部屋は少し寒いです。
    (Heya wa sukoshi samui desu.)
    → The room is a little cold.
  • ちょっと待ってください。
    (Chotto matte kudasai.)
    → Please wait a moment.

かなり / 相当 (Kanari / Sōtō) – “Quite/Considerably”

• Usage: Indicates a significant degree, but less than とても.
• Structure:
  かなり/相当 + adjective/adverb
  Example:
  • この問題はかなり難しいです。
    (Kono mondai wa kanari muzukashii desu.)
    → This problem is quite difficult.
  • 彼は相当疲れているようです。
    (Kare wa sōtō tsukarete iru yō desu.)
    → He seems considerably tired.

非常に (Hijō ni) – “Extremely”

• Usage: Formal and strong degree expression, often used in written or formal contexts.
• Structure:
  非常に + adjective/adverb
  Example:
  • このテクノロジーは非常に有用です。
    (Kono tekunorojī wa hijō ni yūyō desu.)
    → This technology is extremely useful.

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3. Nuanced Degree Expressions

そんなに (Sonna ni) – “So much” (with negative)

• Usage: Typically used in negative contexts to downplay something.
• Structure:
  そんなに + negative form
  Example:
  • この宿題はそんなに難しくありません。
    (Kono shukudai wa sonna ni muzukashiku arimasen.)
    → This homework isn’t so difficult.

めっちゃ / 超 (Meccha / Chō) – “Super” (Informal)

• Usage: Extremely casual and common in spoken Japanese, especially among younger people.
• Structure:
  めっちゃ/超 + adjective
  Example:
  • この店のラーメン、超うまい！
    (Kono mise no rāmen, chō umai!)
    → The ramen at this place is super delicious!
  • 昨日はめっちゃ楽しかった。
    (Kinō wa meccha tanoshikatta.)
    → Yesterday was super fun.

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4. Expressing Extremes

一番 (Ichiban) – “The most”

• Usage: Indicates the highest degree or rank.
• Structure:
  一番 + adjective/adverb
  Example:
  • 富士山は日本で一番高い山です。
    (Fujisan wa Nihon de ichiban takai yama desu.)
    → Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan.

最高に (Saikō ni) – “The best/most”

• Usage: Used to express the peak level of a positive quality.
• Structure:
  最高に + adjective
  Example:
  • 今日は最高に幸せです。
    (Kyō wa saikō ni shiawase desu.)
    → I’m the happiest today.

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5. Things to Keep in Mind

1. Context Matters:
   • Use formal expressions like 非常に in professional or academic settings.
   • Opt for casual expressions like めっちゃ in informal conversations.
2. Politeness Levels:
   Adjust your degree expressions depending on who you are speaking to. For instance, avoid めっちゃ with your boss, and use とても or かなり instead.
3. Avoid Overusing:
   Overloading sentences with degree expressions can make your speech sound unnatural. Be selective and intentional.
4. Negative Nuances:
   Expressions like あまり and そんなに are inherently tied to negativity. Ensure you pair them with negative predicates.

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6. Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to master degree expressions is through regular practice. Try using these patterns in daily conversation or writing. Listen to native speakers in dramas, anime, or news to observe how these expressions are naturally applied.

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By incorporating these degree expressions into your Japanese language practice, you’ll develop a richer and more nuanced ability to communicate, allowing you to better convey your thoughts and feelings. Happy learning!

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Happy learning! 😊

• JAPANESE
  • Japanese – Advanced
  • Japanese – Beginner
  • Japanese – Intermediate

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