殆ど in 30 Seconds
- Hotondo means 'almost' or 'mostly' in positive sentences, covering about 90-99% of a total amount or completion.
- When paired with a negative verb, it means 'hardly' or 'scarcely,' indicating a near-zero frequency or quantity.
- To say 'most of [noun],' you must use the 'no' particle: 'hotondo no hito' (most people).
- It is less formal than 'hobo' and more focused on quantity/degree than 'taitei' (which focuses on habits).
The Japanese word 殆ど (hotondo) is a versatile adverb that primarily translates to "almost," "nearly," "mostly," or "practically" in English. For a Japanese learner, mastering this word is a significant milestone because it bridges the gap between absolute statements and nuanced descriptions of quantity and frequency. Unlike absolute terms like 'all' (zenbu) or 'none' (zenzen...nai), hotondo allows you to describe scenarios where something is nearly complete or almost universal but has a small margin of exception.
- Quantitative Usage
- When used with affirmative verbs or nouns, it indicates a very high percentage—typically 90% or more. For example, 'hotondo no hito' means 'almost all people' or 'most people.' It focuses on the bulk of a group while acknowledging that a few individuals are excluded.
- Negative Correlation
- When paired with a negative verb (nai-form), its meaning shifts to 'hardly' or 'scarcely.' For instance, 'hotondo tabenai' means 'hardly eat.' This is crucial for expressing habits or states that are near-zero but not quite zero.
宿題は殆ど終わりました。
(Shukudai wa hotondo owarimashita.)
I have almost finished my homework.
In daily conversation, you will hear this word constantly. It is used to soften statements and provide a more accurate reflection of reality. If a Japanese person says they 'almost' understand, they are being polite yet honest about the small gaps in their comprehension. It is also a staple in news reporting to describe majority opinions or statistical trends without claiming 100% certainty.
彼は殆どお酒を飲みません。
(Kare wa hotondo osake o nomimasen.)
He hardly drinks alcohol.
Structurally, hotondo can function as an adverb directly modifying a verb, or it can take the particle 'no' to modify a noun (hotondo no + noun). This flexibility makes it one of the most useful tools in a beginner's vocabulary. Whether you are talking about time, quantity, or degree, this word covers the 'nearly' spectrum perfectly.
- Common Contexts
- 1. Completion of tasks (almost done).
2. Attendance or population (almost everyone).
3. Frequency of habits (hardly ever).
4. Similarity (practically the same).
The grammatical application of 殆ど (hotondo) depends on whether you are emphasizing a majority or a near-absence. It behaves primarily as an adverb, but its interaction with nouns and particles is essential for natural-sounding Japanese. Let's break down the three primary patterns you will encounter.
- Pattern 1: As an Adverb modifying a Verb
- In this structure, hotondo appears before the verb to indicate the extent of an action.
Example: Hotondo owarimashita (It's almost finished). Here, the focus is on the state of completion.
この本は殆ど読みました。
(Kono hon wa hotondo yomimashita.)
I have read almost all of this book.
Notice that in the example above, hotondo implies that only a few pages are left. If you were to say 'zenbu yomimashita,' it would mean the task is 100% complete. Hotondo creates that realistic 95-99% range.
- Pattern 2: Modifying Nouns with 'No'
- To say 'most [noun]' or 'almost all [noun],' you must use the particle の (no).
Example: Hotondo no gakusei (Most students). This is a very common way to generalize about a group.
殆どの店が閉まっています。
(Hotondo no mise ga shimatte imasu.)
Most of the shops are closed.
This noun-modifying pattern is essential for academic writing and reporting. It allows the speaker to quantify a subject without needing exact numbers, which is very common in Japanese discourse where precision is often sacrificed for brevity or politeness.
- Pattern 3: With Negative Verbs (Hardly/Scarcely)
- When hotondo is followed by a negative verb, the meaning becomes 'hardly ever' or 'almost never.'
Example: Hotondo nezu ni hataraita (I worked hardly sleeping at all). This emphasizes the extreme lack of an action.
昨日は殆ど寝られませんでした。
(Kinou wa hotondo neraremasen deshita.)
I could hardly sleep yesterday.
Finally, hotondo can be used to compare two things that are 'practically the same' using the phrase hotondo onaji. This is a common way to describe twins, similar products, or synonymous words. It highlights that while differences may exist, they are negligible in the current context.
Understanding the theory of 殆ど (hotondo) is one thing, but hearing it in the wild is where the real learning happens. This word is a chameleon; it adapts to casual conversations, formal business meetings, and even poetic lyrics. Let's explore the various environments where hotondo is frequently used.
- In the Workplace
- In a Japanese office, hotondo is used to give progress updates. If a manager asks about a project, saying 'Hotondo dekimashita' (It's almost done) is a safe and common way to indicate that you are in the final stages without claiming it's 100% ready for review. It manages expectations effectively.
資料の準備は殆ど整いました。
(Shiryou no junbi wa hotondo totonoimashita.)
The preparation of the documents is almost complete.
You will also hear it in statistical reports during meetings. Phrases like 'Hotondo no kyaku-sama' (Most of our customers) or 'Hotondo no deeta' (Most of the data) are used to describe trends that are nearly universal. This is especially true when discussing customer feedback or market research.
- In Casual Conversations
- Among friends, hotondo is often used to describe lifestyle habits—or the lack thereof. If someone asks if you cook at home, you might reply, 'Iie, hotondo shimasen' (No, I hardly ever do). It sounds more natural and less robotic than 'zenzen shimasen' (I never do), which can sound a bit too definitive or harsh.
最近は殆どテレビを見ません。
(Saikin wa hotondo terebi o mimasen.)
I hardly watch TV these days.
In media like anime or dramas, hotondo is frequently used in high-stakes dialogue. A character might say, 'Kachi-me wa hotondo nai' (There is almost no chance of winning), adding tension by acknowledging that while a victory is theoretically possible, it is practically non-existent. This 'nearly zero' nuance is powerful for storytelling.
- In News and Weather
- Weather reports use hotondo to describe conditions that are nearly uniform across a region. 'Hotondo no chiiki de hare' (Sunny in almost all regions). News anchors use it to summarize public opinion polls: 'Hotondo no hito ga sansei shite iru' (Most people are in favor).
While 殆ど (hotondo) seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble on its specific grammatical constraints and its relationship with similar-sounding concepts. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Japanese sound far more authentic.
- Mistake 1: Forgetting the 'No' particle
- A very common error is saying 'hotondo hito' instead of 'hotondo no hito.' In Japanese, when hotondo modifies a noun to mean 'most [noun],' the particle 'no' is mandatory. Think of it as saying 'most of the people' rather than just 'most people.'
❌ 殆ど仕事が終わりました。
(Hotondo shigoto ga owarimashita.) - Incorrect if you mean 'Most of the work is done.'
✅ 殆どの仕事が終わりました。
(Hotondo no shigoto ga owarimashita.)
Wait! There is a nuance here. If you say 'Shigoto wa hotondo owarimashita' (The work is almost finished), that is correct because hotondo is modifying the verb 'owarimashita.' But if it's right before the noun, you need 'no.'
- Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Taitei' (Usually/Mostly)
- Learners often use hotondo when they should use taitei. Taitei refers to what happens 'usually' or 'in general.' Hotondo refers to the 'quantity' or 'degree.' If you say 'I usually go to the gym,' use taitei. If you say 'I've done almost all the exercises,' use hotondo.
- Mistake 3: Misusing with Negative Verbs
- When using hotondo with a negative verb, some learners think it means 'mostly didn't.' While that's the literal translation, the English equivalent is 'hardly ever' or 'barely.' Ensure you don't confuse it with 'amari' (not much). 'Amari' is about 20-30%, while 'hotondo...nai' is about 1-5%.
あまり食べません vs 殆ど食べません。
Amari (I don't eat much) vs Hotondo (I hardly eat at all).
Finally, avoid using hotondo to describe personal feelings or qualities like 'almost happy' or 'almost red.' In those cases, words like 'mousugu' (soon) or specific color modifiers are preferred. Hotondo is best for quantities, completion, and frequencies.
Japanese has many words for 'mostly' and 'almost.' Choosing the right one depends on the register (formality) and the specific nuance you want to convey. Let's compare 殆ど (hotondo) with its closest cousins.
- 1. 大抵 (Taitei)
- Meaning: Usually, mostly, generally.
Difference: Taitei is used for habits and general trends. Hotondo is more about the physical amount or the near-completeness of a specific action. You 'taitei' go to bed at 11 PM, but you have 'hotondo' finished your book. - 2. ほぼ (Hobo)
- Meaning: Almost, roughly, approximately.
Difference: Hobo is slightly more formal and often used in business or technical contexts to mean 'approximately' or 'nearly.' It is very similar to hotondo, but hobo is rarely used with negative verbs to mean 'hardly.'
作業はほぼ完了しました。
(Sagyou wa hobo kanryou shimashita.)
The work is approximately complete (Business nuance).
- 3. 大部分 (Daibubun)
- Meaning: A large part, the majority.
Difference: This is a noun, not an adverb. It specifically refers to 'the majority part' of something physical or a large group. It sounds more formal and structural than hotondo. - 4. めったに (...ない) (Mettani...nai)
- Meaning: Rarely, seldom.
Difference: While hotondo...nai means 'hardly ever,' mettani...nai specifically emphasizes the rarity of an event. Mettani is more about the frequency of occurrence, whereas hotondo can also be about quantity.
In summary, hotondo is your 'all-purpose' word for anything approaching 100% or 0%. It is less formal than hobo and more versatile than taitei. As you progress, try to use hobo in emails and hotondo in speech to sound more natural.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The kanji 殆 (dai) originally contains the 'bone' radical (歹) on the left, which often relates to death or danger. This reflects the ancient nuance of being 'dangerously close' to a certain state.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'n' as a full English 'n' at the tip of the teeth; it should be more nasal.
- Over-stressing the last syllable 'do'.
- Making the 'h' too raspy.
- Pronouncing 'to' as 'tu'.
- Confusing the pitch accent with 'hoto-hoto' (a different word).
Difficulty Rating
The kanji 殆 is slightly rare in casual texts (often written in hiragana), but the word itself is very common.
Remembering the particle 'no' for noun modification is the main hurdle.
Very easy to pronounce and integrate into basic sentences.
Distinctive sound, easy to pick out in natural speech.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adverbial placement
殆ど食べました (Modified verb directly).
Noun modification with 'no'
殆どの人が来ました (Modified noun).
Negative concord (Hardly)
殆ど食べません (Negative verb).
Degree with Adjectives
殆ど同じです (Modified adjective).
Quantifier with 'subete'
殆ど全ての学生 (Almost all students).
Examples by Level
宿題は殆ど終わりました。
Homework is almost finished.
Hotondo + Verb (past tense) indicates near-completion.
殆ど食べました。
I ate almost all of it.
Used as an adverb modifying 'tabemashita'.
殆ど準備できました。
I'm almost ready.
Used to describe readiness.
殆ど同じです。
They are almost the same.
Hotondo + Adjective (onaji).
殆ど毎日行きます。
I go almost every day.
Hotondo + Time noun (mainichi).
殆ど寝ました。
I slept almost the whole time.
Indicates duration.
殆ど見えません。
I can hardly see.
Hotondo + Negative verb (mieru -> mienai).
殆どお金がありません。
I have almost no money.
Hotondo + Noun + ga + arimasen.
殆どの人が反対しました。
Most people opposed it.
Hotondo + no + Noun (hito).
彼は殆ど野菜を食べません。
He hardly eats vegetables.
Hotondo + Negative verb expressing habit.
殆どの店は日曜日に閉まります。
Most shops close on Sundays.
Generalizing about a group of nouns.
昨日は殆ど寝られませんでした。
I could hardly sleep yesterday.
Potential negative verb (nerareru -> nerarenai).
殆どの学生は漢字が嫌いです。
Most students dislike Kanji.
Hotondo no + Noun to describe common sentiment.
この街は殆ど変わりません。
This town hardly changes.
Describes a state of near-constancy.
殆ど話したことがありません。
I have hardly ever spoken to him.
Used with the 'ta koto ga aru' (experience) pattern.
殆どの仕事は終わりました。
Most of the work is finished.
Distinguishes between 'almost finished' and 'most of the items are finished'.
二人の意見は殆ど一致しています。
The opinions of the two are almost in agreement.
Hotondo + Verb (itchi shite iru).
殆ど不可能に近いと思います。
I think it is close to almost impossible.
Hotondo + Adjective (fukanou).
殆どの場合、予約が必要です。
In most cases, a reservation is necessary.
Hotondo no baai (In most cases) - common set phrase.
彼の話は殆ど嘘でした。
His story was almost entirely lies.
Hotondo + Noun (uso) used as a predicate.
殆ど全ての人がそのニュースを知っています。
Almost all people know that news.
Hotondo subete no (Almost all of...).
この薬は殆ど副作用がありません。
This medicine has almost no side effects.
Hotondo + Noun (fukusayou) + ga nai.
殆ど一晩中泣いていました。
I was crying almost all night long.
Hotondo + Time duration (hitobanjuu).
殆ど直感で決めました。
I decided almost entirely by intuition.
Hotondo + Noun (chokkan) indicating the basis of action.
殆ど完成に近づいています。
It is approaching almost completion.
Hotondo + Noun (kansei) + ni chikazuite iru.
その違いは殆ど無視できる程度です。
The difference is to a degree that is almost negligible.
Hotondo + Verb (mushi dekiru).
殆ど無意識にそのボタンを押してしまった。
I pressed that button almost unconsciously.
Hotondo + Adverbial noun (muishiki ni).
殆どパニック状態になりかけました。
I was on the verge of an almost panic state.
Hotondo + Noun (panikku joutai).
殆ど前例のない出来事です。
It is an event with almost no precedent.
Hotondo + Noun (zenrei) + no nai.
殆ど手つかずの状態です。
It is in an almost untouched state.
Hotondo + Adjective-like noun (tetsukazu).
殆ど絶望的な状況から立ち直った。
He recovered from an almost hopeless situation.
Hotondo + Adjective (zetsubouteki).
殆どあらゆる手段を尽くしました。
I have exhausted almost every possible means.
Hotondo arayuru (Almost every...).
殆ど病的なまでのこだわりを持っている。
He has an obsession that is almost pathological.
Hotondo + Adjective (byouteki).
殆ど奇跡と言っても過言ではない。
It is no exaggeration to call it almost a miracle.
Hotondo + Noun (kiseki) + to itte mo kagon de wa nai.
殆ど壊滅的な打撃を受けた。
They suffered an almost catastrophic blow.
Hotondo + Adjective (kaimetsuteki).
殆ど直感のみに頼って行動している。
He acts relying almost exclusively on intuition.
Hotondo + Noun (chokkan) + nomi (only).
殆ど骨と皮ばかりになってしまった。
He has become almost nothing but skin and bones.
Hotondo + Idiomatic expression (hone to kawa).
殆ど形骸化している制度だ。
It is a system that has become almost a mere shell.
Hotondo + Verb/Noun (keigaika).
殆ど一目惚れに近い感覚だった。
It was a feeling close to almost love at first sight.
Hotondo + Noun (hitomebore).
殆ど確信に近い予感があった。
I had a premonition that was close to almost certainty.
Hotondo + Noun (kakushin).
殆ど形而上学的な議論に終始した。
The discussion was almost entirely metaphysical from start to finish.
Hotondo + Technical adjective (keijijougakuteki).
殆ど不可知論に近い立場をとっている。
He takes a position close to almost agnosticism.
Hotondo + Philosophical term (fukachiron).
殆ど禅問答のようなやり取りが続いた。
An exchange like an almost Zen koan continued.
Hotondo + Cultural metaphor (zenmondou).
殆ど蹂躙されたと言ってもいい惨状だ。
It's a disastrous scene that could be said to be almost trampled.
Hotondo + Passive verb (juurin sareta).
殆ど虚無感に苛まれている。
He is tormented by an almost total sense of nihilism.
Hotondo + Abstract noun (kyomukan).
殆ど完璧主義の弊害が出ている。
The harmful effects of almost total perfectionism are appearing.
Hotondo + Complex noun phrase.
殆ど鳥瞰的な視点から分析する。
To analyze from an almost bird's-eye perspective.
Hotondo + Idiomatic noun (choukanteki).
殆ど刹那的な快楽を追い求めている。
He is pursuing almost ephemeral, momentary pleasures.
Hotondo + Literary adjective (setsunateki).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Almost none; hardly any. Used to describe scarcity.
チャンスは殆どない。
— Almost finished. Common in casual progress updates.
宿題？殆ど終わりだよ。
— Almost always. Describes a near-constant habit.
彼は殆どいつも笑っている。
— Almost zero. Used for statistics or chances.
可能性は殆どゼロだ。
— Hardly know. Describes lack of information.
彼のことは殆ど知らない。
— Hardly changes. Used for consistency over time.
10年前と殆ど変わらない。
— Almost every week. Frequency description.
殆ど毎週映画を見に行く。
— Almost by oneself. Describes independence in a task.
殆ど一人で作り上げた。
— Almost like a disease. Idiomatic for extreme obsession.
彼の掃除好きは殆ど病気だ。
— Almost pure intuition. Describes decision making.
殆ど直感で選んだ。
Often Confused With
Taitei is 'usually' (habit); Hotondo is 'almost' (quantity/degree).
Daitai is 'roughly' (estimate); Hotondo is 'nearly' (approaching 100%).
Mousugu is 'soon' (time); Hotondo is 'almost' (completion state).
Idioms & Expressions
— To be in an almost dead state; having no power left. Often used in politics or sports.
その政権は殆ど死に体だ。
Formal/Journalistic— To be almost entirely weakened or deprived of its core. Often used for laws or plans.
その法案は殆ど骨抜きにされた。
Formal— To be almost completely helpless or unable to do anything.
強すぎて殆ど手も足も出なかった。
Neutral— Almost like pouring water on a hot stone; a drop in the bucket; ineffective.
その援助は殆ど焼け石に水だ。
Neutral— Almost like trying to catch a cloud; vague and unrealistic.
その計画は殆ど雲を掴むようだ。
Literary— There is almost nothing that can be done; hopeless.
病状は殆ど手の打ちようがない。
Formal— With almost nothing but one's own body; starting from scratch.
殆ど身一つで上京した。
Neutral— Almost gasping for breath; on one's last legs.
殆ど息も絶え絶えでゴールした。
Literary— Almost like two halves of a melon; identical (usually people).
二人は殆ど瓜二つだ。
Neutral— Sharing the same fate almost completely.
我々は殆ど一蓮托生だ。
FormalEasily Confused
Both mean 'almost' or 'nearly.'
Hobo is more objective and formal, often used with numbers. Hotondo is more subjective and common in daily speech.
会議はほぼ終わりました (Formal) vs 会議はほとんど終わった (Casual).
Both are used with negative verbs.
Amari means 'not much' (e.g., 30%). Hotondo...nai means 'hardly at all' (e.g., 5%).
あまり食べない (I don't eat much) vs ほとんど食べない (I hardly eat).
Both mean 'rarely.'
Mettani specifically refers to frequency (rare events). Hotondo can refer to both frequency and quantity.
めったに行かない (I rarely go) vs ほとんど行かない (I hardly ever go).
Both can mean 'mostly.'
Taitei means 'for the most part' as a general rule. Hotondo means 'almost all' in a specific instance.
大抵は彼が勝つ (Usually he wins) vs ほとんど彼が勝った (He won almost every time).
Both describe degree.
Kanari means 'considerably' or 'quite' (e.g., 70-80%). Hotondo is much higher (95%+).
かなりできた (I did quite a lot) vs ほとんどできた (I almost finished).
Sentence Patterns
[Task] は 殆ど 終わりました。
宿題は殆ど終わりました。
殆ど の [Noun] は [Verb]。
殆どの店は閉まっています。
殆ど [Verb-nai form]。
殆ど食べません。
殆ど [Adjective] です。
殆ど同じです。
殆ど [Time] です。
殆ど毎日です。
殆ど [Noun] に近い [State]。
殆ど不可能に近い状態です。
殆ど [Advanced Noun] と言っても過言ではない。
殆ど奇跡と言っても過言ではない。
殆ど [Technical Term] 的な [Noun]。
殆ど形而上学的な議論。
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
Extremely frequent in both spoken and written Japanese.
-
Hotondo hito ga kimasu.
→
Hotondo no hito ga kimasu.
You must use the particle 'no' when 'hotondo' modifies a noun directly.
-
Hotondo zenzen tabemasen.
→
Hotondo tabemasen.
You don't need 'zenzen' (not at all) and 'hotondo' (hardly) together. They conflict in degree.
-
Hotondo ureshii desu.
→
Totemo ureshii desu.
Hotondo isn't used for emotional states like 'almost happy' in English. Use 'totemo' (very) or 'mousugu' (soon/almost) depending on the context.
-
Taitei no shukudai ga owarimashita.
→
Hotondo no shukudai ga owarimashita.
Taitei is for habits; Hotondo is for the quantity of a specific task like homework.
-
Hotondo mainichi ni kimasu.
→
Hotondo mainichi kimasu.
Mainichi (every day) is a time adverb and doesn't need the particle 'ni' when used with 'hotondo'.
Tips
The 'No' Rule
Always remember: Hotondo + NO + Noun. Without 'no,' the sentence will sound broken to a native speaker. 'Hotondo no gakusei' is the correct way to say 'most students.'
Soften Your No
If you want to decline an invitation politely, saying 'Hotondo ikimasen' (I hardly ever go) sounds less aggressive than 'Zenzen ikimasen' (I never go). It leaves room for politeness.
Hotondo vs Daitai
Use 'Daitai' for rough estimates (e.g., 'I roughly get it'). Use 'Hotondo' when you are very close to the finish line (e.g., 'I've almost got it').
Nasal 'N'
The 'n' in 'hotondo' is a Japanese 'un' sound. Don't let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth. It should feel like the 'n' is vibrating in your throat.
Kanji vs Hiragana
Use hiragana 'ほとんど' for personal letters and casual chats. Use kanji '殆ど' for essays, business emails, and formal documents to show a higher level of literacy.
Catching the Negative
In Japanese, the negative part comes at the very end of the sentence. If you hear 'hotondo' at the start, stay focused until the very last syllable to know if it's 'mostly' or 'hardly.'
The Art of Vagueness
Japanese people often use 'hotondo' to avoid being too definitive. Even if they are 100% sure, they might say 'hotondo' to remain humble or leave a margin of error.
Common Set Phrase
Memorize 'Hotondo onaji' (Almost the same). It is incredibly useful when you are shopping, comparing two similar things, or explaining a synonym.
90% Rule
Whenever you see 'hotondo,' mentally replace it with the number 90% or 95%. This will help you keep the nuance of 'majority' or 'near-completeness' in mind.
Negative Potential
Try using 'hotondo' with potential negative verbs like 'rare-nai.' 'Hotondo nerarenai' (Hardly able to sleep) is a very natural-sounding advanced phrase.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine you are holding a **HOT** cup **ON** a **DO**nut. You **almost** dropped it, but not quite! HOT-ON-DO.
Visual Association
Picture a progress bar that is stuck at 99%. That tiny 1% gap is where 'hotondo' lives.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'hotondo' in three different ways today: once for a task you're doing, once for a habit you don't do much, and once for a group of people.
Word Origin
The word 'hotondo' comes from the Old Japanese 'hotohoto,' which meant 'approaching a state' or 'on the verge of.' The kanji 殆 was later applied to represent this meaning.
Original meaning: Being on the edge or verge of something occurring.
JaponicCultural Context
No specific sensitivities, but be careful not to use 'hotondo' when 100% accuracy is required, such as in legal or high-stakes medical contexts.
In English, 'most' and 'almost' are different words. In Japanese, 'hotondo' covers both, which can be confusing for learners.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Cooking
- 殆ど火が通った
- 殆ど味がない
- 殆ど完成
- 殆ど毎日作る
School/Study
- 殆ど解けた
- 殆ど忘れた
- 殆どの学生
- 殆ど毎日勉強する
Work
- 殆ど終わりました
- 殆どのクライアント
- 殆ど休みがない
- 殆ど同じ意見
Health/Fitness
- 殆ど毎日走る
- 殆ど寝ていない
- 殆ど治った
- 殆ど野菜ばかり
Technology
- 殆どバグがない
- 殆ど同じスペック
- 殆ど充電がない
- 殆どのユーザー
Conversation Starters
"最近、殆ど毎日何をしていますか？ (What do you do almost every day lately?)"
"殆どの日本人が好きな食べ物は何だと思いますか？ (What food do you think most Japanese people like?)"
"仕事（勉強）は殆ど終わりましたか？ (Is your work/study almost finished?)"
"子供の頃、殆ど毎日何を食べていましたか？ (What did you eat almost every day as a child?)"
"この二つの違いは殆どないと思いませんか？ (Don't you think there's almost no difference between these two?)"
Journal Prompts
今日の仕事（勉強）は殆ど計画通りに進みましたか？ (Did today's work/study go almost according to plan?)
あなたが殆ど毎日欠かさずやっていることは何ですか？ (What is something you do almost every day without fail?)
最近、殆ど話していない友達は誰ですか？ (Who is a friend you haven't spoken to much lately?)
自分の性格の中で、殆ど変わっていない部分はどこですか？ (What part of your personality has remained almost unchanged?)
殆どの人が知らない、あなたの秘密を一つ書いてください。 (Write one secret about yourself that almost nobody knows.)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, absolutely! When used with positive verbs, it means 'almost' or 'nearly.' For example, 'hotondo owarimashita' means 'it is almost finished.' It is one of the most common ways to use the word.
It is neutral. It can be used in casual conversation with friends (often written in hiragana) and in formal business reports (often written in kanji). For very formal contexts, 'hobo' or 'oomune' might be used instead.
'Hobo' sounds a bit more scientific or objective. You use 'hobo' when you are talking about percentages or measurements (e.g., 'hobo 10%'). 'Hotondo' is more common for general feelings of 'almost all' or 'hardly any.'
Only when you are using it to modify a noun directly. 'Hotondo no hito' (most people). If you are modifying a verb, you do not need 'no.' 'Hotondo tabemashita' (I almost ate it all).
It can be translated that way in some contexts, but 'taitei' is the better word for 'usually.' 'Hotondo' implies a much higher frequency (almost always) than 'taitei' (mostly/usually).
Use 'hotondo' followed by a negative verb. For example, 'hotondo ikimasen' means 'I almost never go' or 'I hardly ever go.'
Yes. 'Hotondo mainichi' means 'almost every day.' You can also use it for duration, like 'hotondo hitobanjuu' (almost all night long).
It is common in newspapers and books, but in text messages and casual emails, people usually write it in hiragana (ほとんど) because it is faster and looks softer.
If you mean 'almost all,' the opposite is 'sukoshi' (a little) or 'ichibu' (a part). If you mean 'hardly any,' the opposite is 'takusan' (a lot) or 'subete' (all).
Not usually. You wouldn't say someone is 'hotondo happy.' You would use other words like 'mousugu' for 'almost' in those cases, or specify the degree using 'kanari' (quite).
Test Yourself 42 questions
Translate: 'I have almost finished my homework.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Most students like Japanese food.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say: 'I hardly ever watch TV.'
Read this aloud:
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/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Think of 'hotondo' as the '95% word.' Whether you're 95% done with work or 95% of the class is absent, 'hotondo' is your go-to adverb. Example: 殆どの宿題が終わった (Most of the homework is done).
- Hotondo means 'almost' or 'mostly' in positive sentences, covering about 90-99% of a total amount or completion.
- When paired with a negative verb, it means 'hardly' or 'scarcely,' indicating a near-zero frequency or quantity.
- To say 'most of [noun],' you must use the 'no' particle: 'hotondo no hito' (most people).
- It is less formal than 'hobo' and more focused on quantity/degree than 'taitei' (which focuses on habits).
The 'No' Rule
Always remember: Hotondo + NO + Noun. Without 'no,' the sentence will sound broken to a native speaker. 'Hotondo no gakusei' is the correct way to say 'most students.'
Soften Your No
If you want to decline an invitation politely, saying 'Hotondo ikimasen' (I hardly ever go) sounds less aggressive than 'Zenzen ikimasen' (I never go). It leaves room for politeness.
Hotondo vs Daitai
Use 'Daitai' for rough estimates (e.g., 'I roughly get it'). Use 'Hotondo' when you are very close to the finish line (e.g., 'I've almost got it').
Nasal 'N'
The 'n' in 'hotondo' is a Japanese 'un' sound. Don't let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth. It should feel like the 'n' is vibrating in your throat.
Example
彼はほとんど毎日走っています。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More general words
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
