Meaning
To emphasize an adjective or adverb, meaning 'very' or 'extremely'.
Cultural Background
Japanese speakers often use 'totemo' to show politeness and enthusiasm. It is a way to validate the other person's opinion. In business, 'totemo' is acceptable, but 'hijou ni' is preferred for reports to sound more professional. Younger generations prefer 'chou' or 'mecha' to show extreme excitement, making 'totemo' sound slightly more mature or standard. In some dialects, other intensifiers like 'gocu' (Kansai) might be used, but 'totemo' is understood everywhere.
Keep it simple
When in doubt, use 'totemo'. It is almost never wrong in daily conversation.
Negative verbs
Remember: 'Totemo' + positive, 'Amari' + negative.
Meaning
To emphasize an adjective or adverb, meaning 'very' or 'extremely'.
Keep it simple
When in doubt, use 'totemo'. It is almost never wrong in daily conversation.
Negative verbs
Remember: 'Totemo' + positive, 'Amari' + negative.
Sound natural
Use 'totemo' to show you are engaged in the conversation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with 'totemo'.
このケーキは____美味しいです。
Totemo is used to emphasize a positive adjective.
Choose the correct sentence.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Totemo modifies adjectives, not verbs or nouns directly.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 映画はどうだった？ B: ____面白かったよ！
Totemo is the correct intensifier for a positive opinion.
Match the situation to the correct usage.
You want to say the weather is very nice.
Totemo is the correct intensifier for 'nice weather'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesこのケーキは____美味しいです。
Totemo is used to emphasize a positive adjective.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Totemo modifies adjectives, not verbs or nouns directly.
A: 映画はどうだった？ B: ____面白かったよ！
Totemo is the correct intensifier for a positive opinion.
You want to say the weather is very nice.
Totemo is the correct intensifier for 'nice weather'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'hijou ni' is better for professional writing.
No, it is very polite and standard.
No, it only modifies adjectives and adverbs.
Totemo is standard/polite; sugoku is casual.
Because 'totemo' is for positive intensity, not negative.
Yes, it is standard Japanese.
Use 'hijou ni' or 'taihen'.
Yes, e.g., 'totemo shizuka'.
Yes, but characters often use 'mecha' or 'chou' for more impact.
No, 'totemo' stays the same.
Related Phrases
すごく
synonymVery/Super
大変
similarVery/Difficult
非常に
similarExtremely
かなり
similarQuite/Fairly
