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B1 adverb #3,000 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

大分

oita
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 大分 en 30 secondes
Explication 大分 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you can think of 'daibu' as a stronger version of 'totemo' (very). While you might first learn 'totemo' to say something is 'very' hot or 'very' big, 'daibu' is used when you want to show that something has changed a lot. For example, if you were sick yesterday and today you feel much better, you can say 'daibu genki' (considerably healthy/well). It is a useful word to express that a situation is not just 'a little' different, but 'a lot' different. Just remember to put it before the word you want to describe.
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For A2 learners, 'daibu' becomes a tool for describing progress and states. You might use it to talk about your Japanese studies: 'Nihongo ga daibu wakarimashita' (I've come to understand Japanese considerably). At this level, it's important to distinguish it from 'sukoshi' (a little). If 'sukoshi' is 20%, 'daibu' is 70-80%. You will often hear it used with verbs that show change, like 'narimashita' (became). It helps you move beyond simple sentences and start describing the degree of things more accurately in daily conversations.
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At the B1 level, you should start noticing the nuance of 'daibu' compared to 'kanari' and 'zuibun'. 'Daibu' is often used for objective changes that you can see or feel, like the weather getting colder or a project moving forward. It is very common in workplace communication when you need to give a status update that isn't quite 'finished' but is 'mostly there'. You should also be careful with the kanji 大分, making sure not to confuse it with the place name Oita. This is the level where you use 'daibu' to sound more natural and less like a textbook.
B2 learners should master the subjective vs. objective use of 'daibu'. While 'daibu' is often objective, it can also express the speaker's relief or realization. For example, in a business negotiation, saying 'daibu ayumiyotta' (we have considerably compromised/met in the middle) shows a sophisticated understanding of the progress made. You should also be able to use 'daibu' in complex sentences with various grammatical structures, such as 'daibu narete kita koro ni...' (around the time I had gotten considerably used to it...).
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At the C1 level, 'daibu' is used with precision to manage tone and register. You might choose 'daibu' over 'soutou' or 'ichijirushiku' to maintain a friendly yet professional atmosphere. You'll also encounter 'daibu' in literature where it might describe the passage of time or the depth of a character's emotions in a way that feels grounded. C1 learners should understand the historical development of the word from its literal meaning of 'a large part' to its current abstract adverbial use, and how it fits into the broader spectrum of Japanese intensifiers.
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For C2 mastery, 'daibu' is used with an awareness of its subtle prosodic and stylistic effects. You can identify when a speaker uses 'daibu' to intentionally downplay a massive change (meiosis) or when it is used to provide a specific rhythmic flow to a sentence. You understand its role in various dialects and its frequency in different genres of writing, from technical reports to classical-style essays. At this level, 'daibu' is not just a vocabulary word but a tool for nuanced expression, allowing for the precise calibration of degree and sentiment in high-level discourse.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

大分 en 30 secondes

  • Daibu means 'considerably' or 'greatly' and is used to show a high degree of something.
  • It is often used when describing recovery from illness or progress in work.
  • It is more objective than 'zuibun' and less formal than 'soutou'.
  • It is written with the kanji for 'big' and 'part', implying a large portion.

The Japanese adverb 大分 (だいぶ - daibu) is a cornerstone of intermediate Japanese, functioning as a degree adverb that signifies a considerable or significant extent. Etymologically, it is composed of the kanji 大 (large/big) and 分 (part/portion/minute). When combined, they literally suggest a 'large portion' of a whole. In modern usage, it has evolved from a noun-like structure into a versatile adverb used to describe changes in state, quantity, or intensity that are noticeably large but not necessarily extreme. Unlike 'totemo' (very), which is a pure intensifier, daibu often carries a nuance of comparison—implying that the current state is significantly different from a previous state or an expected baseline.

Degree of Intensity
It sits comfortably between 'chotto' (a little) and 'hijou ni' (extremely). It is often synonymous with 'kanari' (fairly/considerably), though 'daibu' feels slightly more grounded in observable change.
Grammatical Role
As an adverb, it primarily modifies adjectives and verbs. It does not require particles like 'ni' or 'to' to function, making it syntactically straightforward for learners.
Subjectivity
The use of 'daibu' is inherently subjective. What one person considers 'considerable' progress might differ for another, but it always signals that the speaker has noticed a substantial shift.

「風邪はもう大分良くなりました。」 (Kaze wa mou daibu yoku narimashita.) - I have already gotten considerably better from my cold.

In the example above, the speaker isn't just saying they are 'better'; they are emphasizing the gap between their previous illness and their current recovery. This 'gap' is the essence of 'daibu'. It is frequently used in contexts of physical health, weather changes, and project management. For instance, if you are building a house and the frame is up, you might say the work is 'daibu' finished. It acknowledges that while it isn't 100% complete, the majority of the heavy lifting is done.

「日本語が大分上手になりましたね。」 (Nihongo ga daibu jouzu ni narimashita ne.) - Your Japanese has become considerably better, hasn't it?

This usage highlights the 'noticeable improvement' aspect. When a teacher uses 'daibu' to describe a student's progress, it is a high compliment because it suggests the improvement is visible and significant. It is more encouraging than 'sukoshi' (a little) and more realistic than 'kanpeki' (perfect).

Visualizing the 'Big Part'
Imagine a pie chart. If 'daibu' represents the progress, it would cover about 70-85% of the circle. It's the 'lion's share' of the effort or the state.

Using 大分 (daibu) correctly involves understanding its placement and the types of words it typically modifies. It is most commonly placed directly before the adjective or verb it is intensifying. Unlike some other Japanese adverbs that might require 'to' (like 'yukkuri to') or 'ni' (like 'shizuka ni'), 'daibu' stands alone as a pure adverbial block.

「外は大分暗くなってきました。」 (Soto wa daibu kuraku natte kimashita.) - It has become considerably dark outside.

When modifying adjectives, 'daibu' emphasizes the degree of the quality. For example, 'daibu atsui' (considerably hot) implies a heat that is more than just 'a bit' but perhaps not yet 'unbearable'. It is a practical word for daily reporting. In business, you might use it to describe a budget or a timeline. 'Daibu okurete iru' (It is considerably delayed) conveys a sense of urgency without the emotional weight of 'taihen' (terrible/very).

With Verbs of Change
It pairs exceptionally well with verbs like 'naru' (to become), 'kawaru' (to change), and 'susumu' (to progress). This is because 'daibu' naturally measures the distance between a starting point and the current state.
With Adjectives
Both i-adjectives and na-adjectives can be modified. 'Daibu kirei' (considerably pretty/clean) or 'daibu takai' (considerably expensive).

In terms of sentence structure, 'daibu' usually appears after the subject and any time markers, but before the predicate. For example: [Subject] wa [Time] [Daibu] [Predicate]. 'Kono shigoto wa kyou daibu susumimasu' (This work will progress considerably today). It can also be used at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis in casual speech: 'Daibu, yoku natta ne!' (You've gotten quite a bit better!).

「荷物が大分減りました。」 (Nimotsu ga daibu herimashita.) - The luggage has considerably decreased.

You will encounter 大分 (daibu) in a wide variety of social settings, from the doctor's office to the office meeting room. It is a 'safe' word that bridges the gap between casual and polite Japanese. Because it is not overly formal, it is used frequently in daily conversation among friends and family, yet it is professional enough for workplace reporting.

In the Medical Context
Doctors and patients use it to describe recovery. 'Daibu raku ni narimashita' (It has become considerably easier/less painful) is a common phrase used by patients describing their symptoms.
In Weather Forecasts
Meteorologists use it to describe shifts in temperature or seasonal changes. 'Daibu suzushiku narimashita' (It has become considerably cooler) is a staple phrase during the transition from summer to autumn.
In Project Management
When reporting progress to a supervisor, 'daibu' indicates that the task is nearing completion or that a significant milestone has been reached without claiming 100% perfection.

「準備は大分整いました。」 (Junbi wa daibu totonoimashita.) - The preparations are considerably ready (mostly done).

Listen for it in anime and dramas during 'training arcs' or 'recovery scenes'. Characters will often remark on how their skills or health have 'daibu' improved. It serves as a narrative marker for growth. In the retail world, a shopkeeper might say, 'Daibu o-yasuku shite okimasu yo' (I'll make it considerably cheaper for you), as a way of showing they are giving a significant discount.

While 大分 (daibu) is relatively simple, there are a few pitfalls that learners should avoid to ensure natural-sounding Japanese. The most common error is related to its synonym, ずいぶん (zuibun). While they overlap, 'zuibun' often implies a sense of surprise or even criticism, whereas 'daibu' is more objective.

Mistake 1: Pronunciation Confusion
Never pronounce it as 'Oita' when you mean 'considerably'. 'Oita' is a specific place. Context usually clarifies this, but in written form without furigana, be aware of the dual reading.
Mistake 2: Over-reliance in Formal Writing
In highly formal essays or legal documents, 'daibu' can feel a bit too 'spoken'. In these cases, use 'ichijirushiku' (remarkably) or 'hijou ni' (extremely).
Mistake 3: Using it for Absolute Extremes
If something is 100% or absolutely the case, 'daibu' is inappropriate. It implies a high degree, but not the absolute peak. Don't use it for 'perfect' or 'complete' states.

Incorrect: 「このテストは大分満点です。」 (This test is considerably full marks.)

Correct: 「このテストはほぼ満点です。」 (This test is almost full marks.)

Another mistake is using 'daibu' when 'sukoshi' (a little) is more appropriate for social lubrication. If someone asks if you are tired, and you are exhausted, saying 'daibu' is honest. But if you are only slightly tired, 'daibu' would sound dramatic. Conversely, if you've made huge progress and say 'sukoshi', you might be being too humble, and 'daibu' would better reflect your hard work.

To truly master 大分 (daibu), you must understand how it relates to its 'siblings' in the family of degree adverbs. Japanese has many ways to say 'very' or 'considerably', and choosing the right one depends on the context and your emotional stance.

かなり (Kanari)
Very similar to 'daibu'. However, 'kanari' is often used when something exceeds a standard or expectation. It feels slightly more formal than 'daibu'.
ずいぶん (Zuibun)
This carries a nuance of 'more than I thought' or 'surprisingly'. If you see a friend after 10 years and they've changed, 'zuibun' is perfect because of the shock factor.
なかなか (Nakanaka)
Often translated as 'quite' or 'fairly'. It is frequently used with positive adjectives to show that something is better than expected (e.g., 'nakanaka oishii').
相当 (Soutou)
A more formal and 'heavy' version of 'daibu'. Used in business or academic contexts to mean 'substantially'.

「彼はかなり強いですが、大分疲れも溜まっているようです。」 (He is quite strong, but it seems considerable fatigue is also building up.)

The choice between 'daibu' and 'kanari' is often a matter of personal style, but 'daibu' is generally preferred when talking about physical recovery or the passage of time. 'Daibu jikan ga tatta' (A considerable amount of time has passed) sounds more natural than using 'kanari' in that specific instance. On the other hand, 'kanari' is great for objective measurements like 'kanari hiroi' (fairly spacious).

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Degree adverbs

~te kuru (process of change)

~ni naru (becoming a state)

Comparative 'yori'

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Exemples par niveau

1

今日は大分暑いです。

Today is considerably hot.

Daibu modifies the i-adjective 'atsui'.

2

風邪は大分いいです。

My cold is much better.

Used here to describe a state of health.

3

大分食べました。

I ate quite a lot.

Modifies the verb 'tabemashita'.

4

宿題は大分終わりました。

The homework is mostly finished.

Indicates progress toward completion.

5

日本語が大分わかります。

I understand Japanese quite a bit.

Modifies the verb 'wakarimasu'.

6

大分大きくなりましたね。

You've grown quite a bit, haven't you?

Commonly used for children or plants.

7

荷物が大分重いです。

The luggage is considerably heavy.

Modifies the adjective 'omoi'.

8

大分歩きました。

I walked quite a long way.

Modifies the verb 'arukimashita'.

1

仕事は大分片付きました。

The work is considerably cleared up (done).

Katazuku means to be finished or tidied.

2

大分お待たせしました。

I've kept you waiting for quite a while.

A polite way to apologize for a long wait.

3

この本は大分難しいです。

This book is considerably difficult.

Modifies 'muzukashii'.

4

大分慣れてきました。

I've gotten considerably used to it.

Narete kita indicates a process of getting used to something.

5

大分安くなっていますよ。

It has become considerably cheaper.

Used to emphasize a price drop.

6

大分時間がかかりました。

It took a considerable amount of time.

Modifies the verb 'kakaru' (to take time).

7

大分遠くまで来ました。

We've come quite a long way (distance).

Modifies 'tooku' (far).

8

大分雨が降っています。

It is raining quite hard.

Describes the intensity of the rain.

1

景気が大分回復してきた。

The economy has recovered considerably.

Used in a business/economic context.

2

大分、話が具体的になってきた。

The discussion has become considerably more specific.

Indicates a shift in the nature of a conversation.

3

大分、腰の痛みが和らいだ。

The pain in my lower back has eased considerably.

Waragu means to soften or ease.

4

大分、前の家より広くなった。

It's become considerably more spacious than the previous house.

Comparative usage with 'yori'.

5

大分、自分に自信がついてきた。

I've gained a considerable amount of confidence in myself.

Jishin ga tsuku means to gain confidence.

6

大分、計画が遅れているようだ。

It seems the plan is considerably delayed.

Used to report a negative status objectively.

7

大分、お酒に強くなったね。

You've become quite a strong drinker, haven't you?

Osake ni tsuyoi means to have a high alcohol tolerance.

8

大分、雰囲気が変わりましたね。

The atmosphere has changed considerably, hasn't it?

Describes a change in 'fun'iki' (atmosphere).

1

大分、考え方が柔軟になった。

His/her way of thinking has become considerably more flexible.

Juunan means flexible.

2

大分、リスクを抑えることができた。

We were able to considerably reduce the risks.

Osaeru means to suppress or keep down.

3

大分、実力がついてきたと実感している。

I feel that I have considerably improved my skills.

Jikkan suru means to feel or realize personally.

4

大分、誤解が解けてきたようだ。

It seems the misunderstandings have been considerably cleared up.

Gokai ga tokeru means misunderstandings are resolved.

5

大分、使い勝手が良くなった新モデル。

A new model that has become considerably easier to use.

Tsuikaigatte means user-friendliness.

6

大分、予算をオーバーしてしまった。

We have considerably exceeded the budget.

Over-suru is a loanword for exceeding.

7

大分、世の中の仕組みが変わった。

The way the world works has changed considerably.

Describes large-scale societal change.

8

大分、体力が落ちてきたと感じる。

I feel that my physical strength has considerably declined.

Tairyoku ga ochiru means strength/stamina drops.

1

大分、筆致が滑らかになってきた。

The brushwork/writing style has become considerably smoother.

Hitchi refers to the style of writing or painting.

2

大分、事態は沈静化に向かっている。

The situation is heading considerably toward a calm.

Chinzeika means calming down or stabilization.

3

大分、独自の境地に達したようだ。

It seems they have reached a considerably unique level/state.

Kyouchi refers to a state of mind or level of mastery.

4

大分、議論が核心に触れてきた。

The discussion has considerably touched upon the core issue.

Kakushin means the core or heart of a matter.

5

大分、偏見が払拭されてきた。

Prejudices have been considerably wiped away.

Fusshoku suru means to sweep away or eradicate.

6

大分、生活にゆとりが出てきた。

A considerable amount of leeway/comfort has appeared in my life.

Yutori refers to space, time, or financial leeway.

7

大分、真相が明らかになってきた。

The truth has become considerably clearer.

Shinshou means the truth or real facts.

8

大分、妥協点が見出されてきた。

A compromise point has been considerably found.

Dakyou-ten means a point of compromise.

1

大分、旧弊が打破されつつある。

Old evils/customs are being considerably broken down.

Kyuuhei refers to long-standing bad habits or customs.

2

大分、文壇での地位を不動のものにした。

He/she has considerably solidified their position in the literary world.

Bundan refers to the literary world.

3

大分、語彙の選択に円熟味が増した。

A considerable sense of maturity has increased in the choice of vocabulary.

Enjukumi refers to maturity or mellowness in skill.

4

大分、諸般の事情が好転した。

Various circumstances have considerably improved.

Shohan no jijou is a formal way to say 'various circumstances'.

5

大分、その言説は説得力を帯びてきた。

That discourse has considerably taken on a persuasive quality.

Gensetsu refers to a discourse or statement.

6

大分、形骸化していた儀式が刷新された。

The rituals that had become considerably hollowed out were renovated.

Keigaika means becoming a mere shell or hollowed out.

7

大分、既存の枠組みを逸脱している。

It is considerably deviating from the existing framework.

Itsudatsu means deviation or departure from.

8

大分、深淵な思索の跡が伺える。

Traces of considerably profound thought can be seen.

Shinen refers to something profound or abyssal.

Collocations courantes

大分良くなる (daibu yoku naru)
大分違う (daibu chigau)
大分慣れる (daibu nareru)
大分進む (daibu susumu)
大分減る (daibu heru)
大分増える (daibu fueru)
大分遅れる (daibu okureru)
大分疲れる (daibu tsukareru)
大分安くなる (daibu yasuku naru)
大分時間が経つ (daibu jikan ga tatsu)

Phrases Courantes

大分、楽になりました。 (It's become much easier/less painful.)
大分、お待たせしました。 (I've kept you waiting quite a while.)
大分、出来てきました。 (It's mostly done.)
大分、様子が変わった。 (The situation has changed considerably.)
大分、コツを掴んだ。 (I've mostly gotten the hang of it.)
大分、話が違う。 (The story is quite different.)
大分、無理をした。 (I pushed myself quite hard.)
大分、期待している。 (I'm expecting quite a lot.)
大分、助かりました。 (That was a big help.)
大分、距離がある。 (There is a considerable distance.)

Souvent confondu avec

大分 vs 大分 (Oita)

大分 vs ずいぶん (Zuibun)

大分 vs かなり (Kanari)

Expressions idiomatiques

"大分、水が開く (daibu mizu ga aku - to have a large gap in ability/score)"
"大分、差がつく (daibu sa ga tsuku - to have a significant lead/gap)"
"大分、板につく (daibu ita ni tsuku - to become considerably well-suited to a role)"
"大分、目鼻がつく (daibu mehana ga tsuku - to take considerable shape/near completion)"
"大分、手が回る (daibu te ga mawaru - to be able to manage considerably more)"
"大分、身を削る (daibu mi o kezuru - to exert oneself considerably)"
"大分、油が乗る (daibu abura ga noru - to be in one's prime/at the peak of skill)"
"大分、鼻が高い (daibu hana ga takai - to be considerably proud)"
"大分、耳が痛い (daibu mimi ga itai - to be considerably painful to hear/true)"
"大分、気が楽になる (daibu ki ga raku ni naru - to feel considerably relieved)"

Facile à confondre

大分 vs

大分 vs

大分 vs

大分 vs

大分 vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

nuance

Implies a visible or felt gap between states.

formality

Suitable for daily and business Japanese.

Erreurs courantes
  • Pronouncing it as 'Oita' in an adverbial context.
  • Using it to modify a noun directly (e.g., 'daibu hon').
  • Using it for binary states (e.g., 'daibu shinda' - considerably dead).
  • Confusing it with 'tabun' (probably).
  • Using it in extremely formal legal documents where 'ichijirushiku' is required.

Astuces

Progress Reporting

Use 'daibu' when your boss asks for an update to show you've done a lot.

Flat Tone

Keep your voice steady; don't stress the 'dai' or the 'bu'.

Kanji vs Hiragana

Both are common, but kanji (大分) is preferred in professional writing.

Complimenting

Tell a friend 'Daibu jouzu ni natta ne' to make them feel great about their progress.

Context Clues

If you hear 'daibu' followed by a city name, it's probably the prefecture Oita.

No Particles

Remember: no 'ni', no 'no', no 'to' after 'daibu'.

Vs Totemo

'Totemo' is just 'very'; 'daibu' is 'considerably more than before'.

Antonym

Learn 'sukoshi' alongside 'daibu' to describe both ends of the spectrum.

Humility

Use it to downplay your own 100% completion to sound more humble.

JLPT Tip

This often appears in N3 and N2 level listening and reading sections.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Derived from the noun 'daibu' (大分), meaning a large part or a large quantity. Over time, it transitioned into an adverbial usage to describe the degree of an action or state.

Contexte culturel

Using 'daibu' to describe your own achievements is common as it avoids claiming perfection.

It is neutral and can be used with people of higher or lower status.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"最近、日本語の勉強は大分進みましたか？ (Has your Japanese study progressed considerably lately?)"

"大分寒くなりましたが、風邪を引いていませんか？ (It's gotten considerably colder; have you caught a cold?)"

"新しい仕事には大分慣れましたか？ (Have you gotten considerably used to your new job?)"

"この街の様子も大分変わりましたね。 (The look of this town has changed considerably, hasn't it?)"

"体調は大分戻りましたか？ (Has your physical condition considerably returned/recovered?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、大分進んだことは何ですか？ (What is something that progressed considerably today?)

一年前と比べて、大分変わったことはありますか？ (Compared to a year ago, is there anything that has changed considerably?)

最近、大分嬉しかったニュースは何ですか？ (What is some news that made you considerably happy recently?)

大分、自分の成長を感じる瞬間はいつですか？ (When are the moments you feel you have grown considerably?)

大分、無理をしてしまった経験について書いてください。 (Write about an experience where you pushed yourself considerably.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, to describe their state or progress, like 'daibu genki' (much healthier).

It's not necessarily more formal, but it's more specific about the degree of change.

No, 'daibu' is an adverb. Use 'daibubun no' for 'the majority of'.

Yes, it is very common in business for reporting status.

No, it can be negative, like 'daibu okurete iru' (considerably delayed).

'Soutou' is much more formal and implies a higher degree.

Yes, 'daibu nai' (there is considerably none) is possible but less common than 'amari nai'.

だいぶ.

Yes, but be careful of the prefecture name Oita.

Yes, 'daibu jikan ga tatta' (considerable time has passed).

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