Totemo vs. Sugoku: How to Say "Very" Like a Local
totemo for general politeness and sugoku to sound more expressive and casual in daily conversation.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {とても|とても} for standard polite speech and {すごく|すごく} for casual, emphatic, or emotional situations.
- Use {とても|とても} in formal or neutral settings: {とても|とても} {美味しい|おいしい}です (It is very delicious).
- Use {すごく|すごく} in casual, emotional, or spoken contexts: {すごく|すごく} {暑い|あつい}！ (It's so hot!).
- Both modify adjectives or adverbs, but {すごく|すごく} carries a stronger sense of personal feeling.
Overview
In Japanese, expressing degrees of intensity—like "very" or "really"—is fundamental. You'll frequently encounter とても {totemo} and すごく {sugoku}. While both translate similarly into English, their origins, nuances, and appropriate contexts diverge significantly.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for speaking naturally and navigating social subtleties in Japanese communication.
とても {totemo} is a dedicated adverb that consistently conveys a high degree of quality or action. It’s a neutral, reliable choice, suitable across most contexts without concern for inappropriate formality or informality. Think of it as the default, standard "very" or "really."
Conversely, すごく {sugoku} originates from the い {i}-adjective すごい {sugoi}, meaning "amazing" or "incredible." When すごい transforms into its adverbial く {ku}-form, すごく {sugoku}, it literally means "amazingly" or "incredibly." This derivation imbues すごく with a stronger, more emphatic, and inherently more casual tone than とても, making it prevalent in everyday, informal speech. Mastering when to use each reflects a deeper command of Japanese register.
How This Grammar Works
とても {totemo} and すごく {sugoku} function as adverbs of degree, intensifying the meaning of adjectives (both い {i}-adjectives and な {na}-adjectives) and verbs they precede. They specify to what extent a quality exists or an action occurs. Their distinct grammatical categories and origins are key to their correct application and the nuances they convey.とても {totemo}: The Inherent Intensifierとても {totemo} is an inherent adverb, meaning it exists only in this adverbial form and isn't derived from another word class. This makes its function exceptionally stable and straightforward across contexts.- Unchanging Form:
とても{totemo} remains invariant; it never conjugates or changes its form, regardless of what it modifies. - Neutral to Polite Register: Generally considered grammatically standard and polite,
とても{totemo} maintains a neutral register. It's appropriate for nearly all situations, from formal interactions with superiors to casual conversations among friends. - Semantic Consistency: It reliably conveys "very," "really," or "extremely." While strong, its intensity feels more objective and less emotionally charged compared to
すごく{sugoku}.
この本|ほんはとても面白|おもしろいです。 {Kono hon wa totemo omoshiroi desu.} (This book is very interesting.) This statement objectively reports the book's high interest level.彼女|かのじょはとても親切|しんせつです。 {Kanojo wa totemo shinsetsu desu.} (She is very kind.) Here, とても reinforces the description of her kindness in a standard manner.彼|かれはとても速|はやく走|はしります。 {Kare wa totemo hayaku hashirimasu.} (He runs very fast.) This describes his running speed factually.すごく {sugoku}: The Derived, Emphatic Intensifierすごく {sugoku} is distinct because it is the adverbial form of the い {i}-adjective すごい {sugoi}. The adjective すごい means "amazing," "incredible," "tremendous," or even "dreadful," depending on context. Transforming an い {i}-adjective into an adverb involves replacing its final い {i} with く {ku}.い {i}-adjectives.- Adverbialization Process:
すごい{sugoi} (i-adjective) →すごく{sugoku} (adverb). This pattern applies broadly: 高い{takai} (tall/expensive) →高く{takaku} (highly/expensively)速い{hayai} (fast) →速く{hayaku} (fast/quickly)嬉しい{ureshii} (happy) →嬉しく{ureshiku} (happily)- Semantic Extension: Because
すごく{sugoku} is derived fromすごい{sugoi}, it inherits a portion ofすごい's core meaning. While it functions as "very," it often carries the additional nuance of "amazingly," "incredibly," or "surprisingly." This makesすごくinherently more emphatic, subjective, and emotionally charged thanとても. - Casual to Informal Register: Its emphatic nature and prevalence in everyday spoken Japanese position
すごく{sugoku} firmly in casual and informal registers. It may sound out of place in highly formal situations or academic writing. Its frequent use in natural conversation is a hallmark of authentic, unforced Japanese.
このゲームはすごく面白|おもしろいよ！ {Kono geemu wa sugoku omoshiroi yo!} (This game is super interesting!) The use of すごく here adds a layer of personal excitement.昨日|きのうのパーティーはすごく楽|たのしかった。 {Kinou no paatii wa sugoku tanoshikatta.} (Yesterday's party was incredibly fun.) This conveys a strong, personal enjoyment of the party.今日|きょうはすごく疲|つかれている。 {Kyou wa sugoku tsukarete iru.} (I'm really tired today.) This expresses a high degree of personal fatigue with emphasis.とても {totemo} typically has a flat pitch (HLLL in some systems). すごい {sugoi} usually has a high-low pattern (HHLL).すごく {sugoku}, as its adverbial form, often carries a similar pattern (HLL), contributing to its emphatic feel when spoken. Mimicking these can help you sound more native.Formation Pattern
とても {totemo} and すごく {sugoku} are adverbs, meaning they directly precede the word they modify. The fundamental structure is simple and consistent: Adverb + Modified Word. The modified word can be an い {i}-adjective, a な {na}-adjective, or a verb.
い {i}-Adjective
い {i}-adjective. The adverb always comes directly before the adjective.
い {i}-Adjective | Meaning | Example Sentence | Transcription & Translation |
とても {totemo} | 美味しい {oishii} (tasty) | Very tasty | このラーメンはとても美味しいです。 | {Kono raamen wa totemo oishii desu.} (This ramen is very tasty.) |
すごく {sugoku} | 嬉しい {ureshii} (happy) | Super happy | プレゼントをもらって、すごく嬉しい！ | {Purezento o moratte, sugoku ureshii!} (I got a present and I'm super happy!) |
とても {totemo} | 寒い {samui} (cold) | Very cold | 今日はとても寒いです。外に出たくない。 | {Kyou wa totemo samui desu. Soto ni detakunai.} (It is very cold today. I don't want to go outside.) |
な {na}-Adjective (stem)
な {na}-adjective, the adverb is placed directly before the adjective's stem. Remember that な {na}-adjectives use な {na} when directly preceding a noun (e.g., 静かな部屋 {shizuka na heya}), but な {na} is omitted when they are modified by an adverb or followed by です {desu} (e.g., とても静かです {totemo shizuka desu}).
な {na}-Adjective (stem) | Meaning | Example Sentence | Transcription & Translation |
とても {totemo} | 静か {shizuka} (quiet) | Very quiet | この図書館|としょかんはとても静かです。 | {Kono toshokan wa totemo shizuka desu.} (This library is very quiet.) |
すごく {sugoku} | 綺麗 {kirei} (pretty/clean) | Incredibly pretty | あの女優|じょゆうはすごく綺麗|きれいですね。 | {Ano joyuu wa sugoku kirei desu ne.} (That actress is incredibly pretty, isn't she?) |
とても {totemo} | 簡単 {kantan} (easy) | Very easy | この計算|けいさんはとても簡単|かんたんでした。 | {Kono keisan wa totemo kantan deshita.} (This calculation was very easy.) |
とても {totemo} and すごく {sugoku} can also intensify verbs, indicating the degree or intensity of an action. The adverb usually directly precedes the verb. If the verb is modified by an adverbial form of an adjective (e.g., 早く {hayaku} from 速い {hayai}), the intensifier comes before that adverb.
とても {totemo} | わかる {wakaru} (understand) | Understand very well | あなたの気持|きもちはとてもよくわかります。 | {Anata no kimochi wa totemo yoku wakarimasu.} (I understand your feelings very well.) |
すごく {sugoku} | 頑張る {ganbaru} (do one's best) | Try incredibly hard | レポートのために、昨日はすごく頑張った。 | {Repooto no tame ni, kinou wa sugoku ganbatta.} (For the report, I tried incredibly hard yesterday.) |
とても {totemo} | 会う {au} (meet) + たい {tai} (want to) | Really want to meet | 彼女|かのじょにとても会|あいたいです。 | {Kanojo ni totemo aitai desu.} (I really want to meet her.) |
すごく {sugoku} modifies a verb or an adverbial form of an い {i}-adjective preceding a verb (like すごく早く走る {sugoku hayaku hashiru}, to run incredibly fast), it injects a powerful sense of "amazingly" or "remarkably" into the action.
When To Use It
とても {totemo} and すごく {sugoku} is less about strict grammatical rules and more about register, nuance, and social context. While とても {totemo} is always a grammatically safe choice, すごく {sugoku} offers a way to sound more natural and emotionally connected in informal settings. Consider these factors carefully.とても{totemo} for Formal and Neutral Settings:- Use
とてもwhen addressing superiors, clients, or new acquaintances in formal situations (e.g., business meetings, formal presentations, job interviews). It demonstrates respect and maintains appropriate social distance. - It is the standard choice for written communication, such as official letters, reports, academic papers, and even formal emails.
- When in doubt about the appropriate level of formality,
とてもis your safest default. It will never be perceived as rude or out of place due to its register.
貴社|きしゃの商品|しょうひんはとても素晴|すばらしいと存|ぞんじます。 {Kisha no shouhin wa totemo subarashii to zonjimasu.} (I believe your company's products are truly excellent.) This formal business statement avoids any casual tone.先生|せんせい、ご講義|こうぎはとても興味深|きょうみぶかかったです。 {Sensei, go-kougi wa totemo kyoumibukakatta desu.} (Professor, your lecture was very interesting.) Using とても is appropriate for addressing a teacher.すごく{sugoku} for Casual and Informal Settings:- Reserve
すごくfor conversations with close friends, family, and individuals with whom you share an established, informal relationship. Its use signals comfort, familiarity, and a relaxed atmosphere. - It is ubiquitous in casual spoken Japanese, social media posts, text messages, and informal blog entries.
- Employing
すごくin casual contexts makes your Japanese sound more natural and less stiff, closely mirroring how native speakers interact among peers.
このラーメン、すごく美味|うまかったよ！ {Kono raamen, sugoku umakatta yo!} (This ramen was super delicious!) This is a typical casual remark among friends.昨日|きのうの映画|えいが、すごく感動|かんどうした！ {Kinou no eiga, sugoku kandou shita!} (Yesterday's movie, I was incredibly moved!) This conveys a strong personal emotional response in a casual way.とても{totemo}: Strong but Objective:とてもexpresses a high degree of a quality but often maintains a more objective, factual, or understated tone. It effectively states an intense fact without necessarily implying surprise or overwhelming personal emotion.- It's strong enough for most situations where you simply need to convey "very," serving as a clear intensifier.
彼女|かのじょはとても頭|あたまがいい。 {Kanojo wa totemo atama ga ii.} (She is very intelligent.) This is a direct, factual statement about her intellect.すごく{sugoku}: Emphatic and Subjective:すごくoften carries a greater sense of personal feeling, surprise, astonishment, or a heightened emotional response. Because it derives fromすごい{sugoi} ("amazing!"), it naturally imparts a more exclamatory or emphatic punch.- When you want to express that something is not merely "very" but amazingly, incredibly, or tremendously so,
すごくis often the superior choice for reflecting that subjective impact.
彼の歌|うたはすごく感動的|かんどうてきだった。 {Kare no uta wa sugoku kandouteki datta.} (His singing was incredibly moving.) This emphasizes the speaker's profound emotional experience.すごく {sugoku} as a Cue:すごく {sugoku} is the adverbial form of the い {i}-adjective すごい {sugoi} is a crucial insight. While とても {totemo} merely intensifies, すごく {sugoku} subtly carries the connotation of すごい—that the modified quality or action is remarkable or noteworthy in some way, evoking surprise or strong impression. This inherent "amazingness" contributes directly to its more casual, emphatic, and subjective feel.昨日の雨|あめはとても強|つよかった。 {Kinou no ame wa totemo tsuyokatta.} (Yesterday's rain was very strong.) — a factual report. With 昨日の雨|あめはすごく強|つよかった。 {Kinou no ame wa sugoku tsuyokatta.} (Yesterday's rain was incredibly strong.) — suggesting the strength of the rain was remarkable or surprising to the speaker.Common Mistakes
とても {totemo} and すごく {sugoku}. Avoiding these common errors will significantly improve the naturalness and grammatical accuracy of your Japanese.すごい {sugoi} Trap: Adjective Modifying Adjectiveすごい {sugoi} as a casual intensifier in spoken Japanese. You might hear native speakers, particularly younger ones, use すごい {sugoi} directly before another adjective or adverb, such as すごい美味しい {sugoi oishii} (literally "amazing tasty") or すごい速く {sugoi hayaku} (literally "amazing fast").- The Error: Grammatically, an adjective (like
すごい) cannot directly modify another adjective or an adverb. Only an adverb can perform such modification. Therefore,すごい美味しい{sugoi oishii} is technically incorrect in standard Japanese grammar. - Why it happens: This usage is considered slang or colloquialism. It's similar to saying "real good" instead of "really good" in English. While widely understood and common among peers, it deviates from formal grammatical rules.
- How to Correct: Always use the adverbial form
すごく{sugoku} when intensifying an adjective or a verb. The grammatically correct forms areすごく美味しい{sugoku oishii} ("amazingly tasty") andすごく速く{sugoku hayaku} ("amazingly fast"). - Recommendation: Avoid using
すごい{sugoi} as an intensifier in formal settings, during exams, or when addressing people you wish to show respect to. For casual speech, stick toすごく{sugoku}; for all other contexts, useとても{totemo}.
この映画|えいがはすごい面白|おもしろい！ {Kono eiga wa sugoi omoshiroi!} (This movie is amazing interesting!)この映画|えいがはすごく面白|おもしろい！ {Kono eiga wa sugoku omoshiroi!} (This movie is incredibly interesting!)この映画|えいがはとても面白|おもしろいです。 {Kono eiga wa totemo omoshiroi desu.} (This movie is very interesting.)すごく {sugoku} in Formal Contextsすごく {sugoku} helps your casual Japanese sound natural and fluent, deploying it in formal or highly polite situations can be inappropriate. Its casual nature might make you sound overly familiar, disrespectful, or even childish, depending heavily on the specific context and your listener.- The Error: Using
すごく{sugoku} during a business presentation, a formal interview, or in conversation with a new acquaintance who holds a higher social status. - Why it happens: Learners might mistakenly believe that using
すごくuniversally makes their Japanese sound "more native" or fluent, overlooking the crucial aspect of register. - How to Correct: In any formal or ambiguous context, default to
とても{totemo}. When uncertain, it is always safer to choose politeness. If a situation demands respectful language,とてもis the appropriate choice.
社長|しゃちょう、御社|おんしゃの戦略|せんりゃくはすごく良い|よいと存|ぞんじます。 {Shachou, onsha no senryaku wa sugoku yoi to zonjimasu.} (President, I think your company's strategy is super good.)社長|しゃちょう、御社|おんしゃの戦略|せんりゃくはとても優|すぐれていると存|ぞんじます。 {Shachou, onsha no senryaku wa totemo sugurete iru to zonjimasu.} (President, I believe your company's strategy is very excellent.)とても ～ ない {totemo ~ nai}: The "Not At All" Idiomとても {totemo} is paired with a negative verb or adjective form (～ない {~nai}), its meaning undergoes a significant shift. It no longer means "very [not]" but rather "not at all," "cannot possibly," or "utterly impossible." This is a fixed idiomatic expression, not a simple intensification of a negative statement.- The Error: Misinterpreting
とても食べられない{totemo taberarenai} as "I can't very much eat" instead of the correct "I can't eat at all." - Why it happens: Learners attempt a direct, word-for-word translation of
とてもas "very" into negative constructions. - How to Correct: Recognize
とても ～ ない{totemo ~ nai} as a distinct phrase conveying absolute impossibility or complete negation. If your intention is to say "not very" or "not much," the correct adverb to use isあまり ～ ない{amari ~ nai}.
とても ～ ない | Not at all / Cannot possibly | 忙|いそがしくてとても行|いけません。 | {Isogashikute totemo ikemasen.} (I'm too busy, I can't possibly go.) |あまり ～ ない | Not much / Not very | この料理|りょうりはあまり美味|おいしくないです。 | {Kono ryouri wa amari oishikunai desu.} (This dish is not very tasty.) |この問題|もんだいは難|むずかしすぎて、とても一人|ひとりでは解決|かいけつできない。 {Kono mondai wa muzukashisugite, totemo hitori de wa kaiketsu dekinai.} (This problem is too difficult; I can't possibly solve it alone.)そんな話|はなし、とても信|しんじられない。 {Sonna hanashi, totemo shinjirarenai.} (Such a story is utterly unbelievable / I can't believe it at all.)とてもすごく {totemo sugoku}とてもすごく {totemo sugoku} or すごくとても {sugoku totemo}, is redundant and sounds unnatural to native speakers. It's akin to saying "very really" or "extremely incredibly" in English.- The Error: An attempt to create an even stronger emphasis by stacking intensifiers.
- Why it happens: A misconception that more words equal more emphasis, without understanding the inherent strength and distinct nuances of each word.
- How to Correct: Choose one intensifier based on the context and the specific nuance you wish to convey. Both
とても{totemo} andすごく{sugoku} are sufficiently strong on their own.
あのコンサートはとてもすごく楽|たのしかった！ {Ano konsaato wa totemo sugoku tanoshikatta!}
あのコンサートはとても楽|たのしかったです。 {Ano konsaato wa totemo tanoshikatta desu.} (That concert was very enjoyable.)あのコンサートはすごく楽|たのしかった！ {Ano konsaato wa sugoku tanoshikatta!} (That concert was incredibly fun!)Common Collocations
とても {totemo} and すごく {sugoku} frequently pair with adjectives and verbs describing feelings, states, and common qualities. Observing these typical pairings in real Japanese helps you internalize their natural usage and context-dependent meanings.とても {totemo} (Neutral/Polite emphasis):とても嬉しい{totemo ureshii}: Very happy/glad. Often used for sincere expressions of happiness.
お誕生日|たんじょうびプレゼント、とても嬉|うれしいです。 {Otanjoubi purezento, totemo ureshii desu.} (I'm very happy with your birthday present.)とても悲しい{totemo kanashii}: Very sad. Conveys a deep but composed sadness.
そのニュースを聞|きいて、とても悲|かなしくなりました。 {Sono nyuusu o kiite, totemo kanashiku narimashita.} (Hearing that news, I became very sad.)とても大切{totemo taisetsu} (な{na}-adj): Very important/precious. Used for things, people, or concepts of high value.
この経験|けいけんは私|わたしにとってとても大切|たいせつです。 {Kono keiken wa watashi ni totte totemo taisetsu desu.} (This experience is very important to me.)とても丁寧{totemo teinei} (な{na}-adj): Very polite/careful. Describes actions, manners, or meticulousness.
彼|かれの説明|せつめいはとても丁寧|ていねいでわかりやすい。 {Kare no setsumei wa totemo teinei de wakariyasui.} (His explanation is very polite and easy to understand.)とても難しい{totemo muzukashii}: Very difficult. A neutral, factual assessment of difficulty.
この試験|しけんはとても難|むずかしかったです。 {Kono shiken wa totemo muzukashikatta desu.} (This exam was very difficult.)すごく {sugoku} (Casual/Emphatic emphasis):すごく楽しい{sugoku tanoshii}: Super fun/incredibly enjoyable. Expresses strong, often enthusiastic, enjoyment.
昨日のライブ、すごく楽|たのしかったね！ {Kinou no raibu, sugoku tanoshikatta ne!} (Yesterday's concert was super fun, wasn't it!)すごく疲れた{sugoku tsukareta}: Super tired/exhausted. Used for expressing strong physical or mental fatigue casually.
今日|きょうは一日中|いちにちじゅう走|はしって、すごく疲|つかれた。 {Kyou wa ichinichijuu hashitte, sugoku tsukareta.} (I ran all day today, and I'm super tired.)すごく可愛い{sugoku kawaii}: Incredibly cute. A very common and emphatic expression of cuteness, particularly among younger speakers.
その猫|ねこ、目|めがすごく可愛|かわいいね！ {Sono neko, me ga sugoku kawaii ne!} (That cat's eyes are incredibly cute!)すごく美味しい{sugoku oishii}: Incredibly delicious/super tasty. A highly frequent phrase for enthusiastic praise of food in casual settings.
このパスタ、ソースがすごく美味|おいしい！ {Kono pasuta, soosu ga sugoku oishii!} (This pasta, the sauce is super delicious!)すごく速く {sugoku hayaku}verb
Incredibly fast. (早く {hayaku} is the adverbial form of 速い {hayai} (fast)).
彼|かれはすごく早|はやく走|はしれるから、いつも一番|いちばんになる。 {Kare wa sugoku hayaku hashireru kara, itsumo ichiban ni naru.} (He can run incredibly fast, so he always comes first.)Quick FAQ
とても {totemo} and すごく {sugoku}, addressing common points of confusion for learners.とても {totemo} with my friends?Yes, absolutely. Using とても {totemo} with friends is not incorrect. It will simply convey a more neutral or slightly more formal tone than すごく {sugoku}. While すごく is more common in casual peer-to-peer conversations due to its emphatic nature, とても can be used for strong emphasis without sounding rude. It might make your statement feel a bit more deliberate or thoughtful, as opposed to a spontaneous, emotional outburst.
すごく {sugoku} rude or impolite?すごく {sugoku} is not inherently rude. It is primarily a casual intensifier. Its use reflects a comfortable, informal register. However, it can be perceived as inappropriate, lacking respect, or overly familiar if used in highly formal settings, when speaking to a social superior (e.g., your boss, a professor, a new client), or in official written communication. In such contexts, using すごく might suggest a lack of social awareness or an inability to adjust one's speech to the situation, rather than outright rudeness. Context is paramount.
超 {chō} and めっちゃ {meccha}?These are even more casual, colloquial, and often slangy intensifiers, predominantly used by younger generations or among very close friends. They signify an even higher degree of informality and enthusiasm than すごく.
超{chō} (ちょう): Literally meaning "super" or "ultra,"超is a very strong, trendy intensifier. It's common in youth slang and on social media. Using超with an adjective is akin to saying "super good" or "ultra cool" in English. Example:超可愛い{chō kawaii} (super cute).めっちゃ{meccha}: Originating from the Kansai dialect,めっちゃhas spread throughout Japan, especially among younger speakers. It means "insanely," "tremendously," or "super duper." It is highly informal. Example:めっちゃ美味しい{meccha oishii} (insanely delicious).
すごく {sugoku} modify verbs directly, not just adjectives?Yes, すごく {sugoku} can directly modify verbs, as well as adverbs that precede verbs. When it modifies a verb, it expresses that the action is performed "to an amazing/incredible degree." For example, すごく頑張った {sugoku ganbatta} means "I tried incredibly hard" (頑張る {ganbaru} is a verb meaning "to do one's best"). Similarly, it can intensify adverbs that modify verbs, such as in すごく早く走る {sugoku hayaku hashiru} (to run incredibly fast), where 早く {hayaku} is already the adverbial form of 速い {hayai} (fast).
とても {totemo} always mean "very"? What about its use in とても ~ ない {totemo ~ nai}?As discussed in "Common Mistakes," とても {totemo} does not always mean "very" when paired with a negative. The phrase とても ～ ない {totemo ~ nai} is a fixed idiom meaning "not at all" or "cannot possibly." For example, とても信じられない {totemo shinjirarenai} means "I cannot believe it at all" or "It's utterly unbelievable," not "I can't very much believe it." This specific negative construction is a crucial exception to remember.
Adverb Usage Table
| Adverb | Formality | Tone | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
とても
|
Polite/Neutral
|
Standard
|
Formal/Business/General
|
|
すごく
|
Informal
|
Emotional
|
Casual/Friends/Social
|
|
すっごく
|
Very Informal
|
Emphatic
|
Texting/Close Friends
|
Meanings
These are degree adverbs used to intensify adjectives or verbs, meaning 'very', 'extremely', or 'really'.
Standard Intensifier
Used to describe a high degree of a quality.
“{とても|とても} {綺麗|きれい}ですね。”
“{すごく|すごく} {面白い|おもしろい} {映画|えいが}でした。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
とても + Adj
|
とても 美しい
|
|
Negative
|
とても + Neg Adj
|
とても 美しくない
|
|
Casual
|
すごく + Adj
|
すごく 楽しい
|
|
Emphatic
|
すっごく + Adj
|
すっごく 嬉しい
|
|
Question
|
とても + Adj + ですか
|
とても 遠いですか
|
|
Past
|
すごく + Adj (past)
|
すごく 暑かった
|
Formality Spectrum
{とても|とても} {寒い|さむい}です。 (Weather)
{とても|とても} {寒い|さむい}です。 (Weather)
{すごく|すごく} {寒い|さむい}！ (Weather)
{すっごく|すっごく} {寒い|さむい}！ (Weather)
Adverb Intensity Map
Formal
- とても Very
Informal
- すごく Really
Examples by Level
{とても|とても} {美味しい|おいしい}です。
It is very delicious.
{とても|とても} {暑い|あつい}です。
It is very hot.
{とても|とても} {綺麗|きれい}です。
It is very beautiful.
{とても|とても} {大きい|おおきい}です。
It is very big.
{すごく|すごく} {楽しい|たのしい}！
It's really fun!
{すごく|すごく} {忙しい|いそがしい}です。
I'm really busy.
{とても|とても} {静か|しずか}な {場所|ばしょ}です。
It is a very quiet place.
{すごく|すごく} {疲れた|つかれた}。
I'm really tired.
{とても|とても} {残念|ざんねん}ですが、いけません。
It is very unfortunate, but I cannot go.
{すごく|すごく} {面白い|おもしろい} {本|ほん}を {読みました|よみました}。
I read a really interesting book.
{とても|とても} {難しい|むずかしい} {問題|もんだい}です。
It is a very difficult problem.
{すごく|すごく} {お腹|おなか}が {空きました|すきました}。
I'm really hungry.
{とても|とても} {丁寧|ていねい}な {対応|たいおう}でした。
The service was very polite.
{すごく|すごく} {緊張|きんちょう}しています。
I'm really nervous.
{とても|とても} {重要|じゅうよう}な {会議|かいぎ}です。
It is a very important meeting.
{すごく|すごく} {感動|かんどう}しました。
I was really moved.
{とても|とても} {配慮|はいりょ}の {ある|ある} {行動|こうどう}でした。
It was a very thoughtful action.
{すごく|すごく} {理不尽|りふじん}な {こと|こと}を {言われました|いわれました}。
I was told something really unreasonable.
{とても|とても} {貴重|きちょう}な {経験|けいけん}でした。
It was a very valuable experience.
{すごく|すごく} {洗練|せんれん}された {デザイン|でざいん}ですね。
It's a really sophisticated design.
{とても|とても} {有意義|ゆういぎ}な {時間|じかん}を {過ごせました|すごせました}。
I spent a very meaningful time.
{すごく|すごく} {腑|ふ}に {落ちない|おちない} {話|はなし}です。
It's a story that really doesn't make sense.
{とても|とても} {洗練|せんれん}された {物腰|ものごし}です。
He has a very refined manner.
{すごく|すごく} {愛着|あいちゃく}の {ある|ある} {物|もの}です。
It's something I'm really attached to.
Easily Confused
Sugoi is an adjective; Sugoku is an adverb.
Taihen often implies difficulty/negative.
Both are casual.
Common Mistakes
Sugoku desu.
Totemo desu.
Totemo sugoi.
Totemo ii.
Sugoku no desu.
Sugoku desu.
Totemo desu.
Totemo [adj] desu.
Sugoku formal.
Totemo formal.
Totemo sugoi.
Sugoku sugoi.
Sugoku-i desu.
Sugoku desu.
Totemo-ku.
Totemo.
Sugoku-ku.
Sugoku.
Totemo-tai.
Totemo.
Sugoku-ni.
Sugoku.
Totemo-ni.
Totemo.
Sugoku-sa.
Sugoku.
Totemo-sa.
Totemo.
Sentence Patterns
___ ___ です。
___ ___ ！
___ ___ ですが、___。
___ ___ と 思います。
Real World Usage
Sugoku tanoshii!
Totemo jūyō desu.
Sugoku oishii!
Totemo kirei desu.
Totemo hayai desu.
Totemo kōkyōshin ga arimasu.
When in doubt, use Totemo.
Don't use Sugoku in interviews.
Use 'Sugoku' for feelings.
Listen to locals.
Smart Tips
Use Totemo.
Use Sugoku.
Use Taihen.
Use Sugoku.
Pronunciation
Totemo
Pronounced to-te-mo, flat intonation.
Sugoku
Pronounced su-go-ku, emphasis on 'go'.
Flat
Totemo
Neutral statement
Rising
Sugoku?
Surprise/Question
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Totemo is for the 'T'eacher (polite), Sugoku is for 'S'ocializing (casual).
Visual Association
Imagine a polite robot saying 'Totemo' in a suit, and a happy puppy saying 'Sugoku!' while jumping.
Rhyme
Totemo is polite and neat, Sugoku is for the street.
Story
Tanaka-san uses 'Totemo' at work to be professional. Later, he texts his friend using 'Sugoku' to show he is excited about the weekend.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your day using 'totemo' and 3 using 'sugoku'.
Cultural Notes
Standard usage.
Often uses 'meccha' instead of 'sugoku'.
Totemo is preferred.
Totemo comes from 'to' (very) and 'temo' (even if). Sugoku comes from the verb 'suguru' (to exceed).
Conversation Starters
Today is very hot, right?
Was the movie interesting?
Is your job very busy?
Was the test very difficult?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
___ 忙しいです。
___ 楽しい！
Find and fix the mistake:
Sugoku desu (in a meeting).
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
It is very hot.
Answer starts with: a...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
___ 緊張しています。
___ 難しい問題です。
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises___ 忙しいです。
___ 楽しい！
Find and fix the mistake:
Sugoku desu (in a meeting).
です / 綺麗 / とても
It is very hot.
Formal vs Casual
___ 緊張しています。
___ 難しい問題です。
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesThank you ___ much. {___|___} ありがとうございました。 (___ arigatou gozaimashita.)
Context: Texting about a new video game.
very / cold / is / today / . (totemo / desu / wa / samui / kyou)
Kono keeki wa sugoi oishikatta.
Match the intensity.
Outside is ___ hot! (Casual) Soto wa ___ atsui ne! (外は ___ 暑いね！)
I am very happy.
The client was very angry.
hayai / kuruma / kono / sugoku / wa
This book is ___ interesting. (Formal/Written) Kono hon wa ___ omoshiroi desu.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
It is better to avoid it in formal settings. Use Totemo instead.
Yes, it is neutral and safe.
Sugoi is an adjective; Sugoku is an adverb.
Yes, it is fine, but Sugoku sounds more natural.
People will understand you, but you might sound slightly off-register.
Yes, like 'taihen' or 'meccha'.
It comes from the adjective Sugoi.
No, that is redundant.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
muy
Register sensitivity.
très
Formal vs Informal.
sehr
Emotive usage.
totemo/sugoku
Register.
jiddan
Word order.
hen
Grammatical function.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
How to change Adjectives into Adverbial usage of adjective in Japanese (Part2)
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【SUPER GUIDE】Everything about い and な Adjective! Plain, Polite, Negative and Past
Mochi Real Japanese
The Truth About Japanese Adjectives (Even Beginners Can Get It!!)
Tetsu Sensei
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