Sugoku is the most natural way to emphasize a high degree in casual Japanese conversation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to emphasize a high degree of something.
- More informal and conversational than the word totemo.
- Commonly used with adjectives to express strong feelings.
概要
「すごく」は、形容詞や形容動詞、副詞などを修飾し、その程度が非常に高いことを強調する言葉です。話し言葉として非常に一般的で、親しい間柄での会話でよく耳にします。2) 使用パターン: 基本的に「すごく＋形容詞・形容動詞」の形で使われます。「すごく大きい」「すごくきれい」「すごく速い」のように、後ろにくる言葉を強調します。また、動詞を修飾して「すごく疲れた」のように使うこともあります。3) 一般的な文脈: 友人との会話、家族との団らん、SNSなど、カジュアルな場面で広く使われます。ビジネスシーンやフォーマルなスピーチでは「非常に」や「大変」を使うのが適切です。4) 類語との比較: 「とても」は中立的で書き言葉でも使えますが、「すごく」はより感情的で親しみやすい響きがあります。また、「めっちゃ」という言葉はさらにカジュアルで若者言葉に近いニュアンスを持ちます。「すごく」はその中間に位置する、最もバランスの良い口語表現と言えます。
Examples
このケーキはすごく美味しいです。
everydayThis cake is very delicious.
昨日はすごく忙しかったです。
formalI was very busy yesterday.
すごく疲れたよ。
informalI'm super tired.
この問題はすごく難しい。
academicThis problem is very difficult.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
すごくいい
Very good
すごく感謝している
Really appreciate it
すごく頑張った
Worked very hard
Often Confused With
Sugoi is an adjective used to describe a noun (e.g., sugoi hito). Sugoku is an adverb used to describe an action or state (e.g., sugoku hayai).
Totemo is more neutral and can be used in writing. Sugoku is strictly for speech and sounds more personal.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'sugoku' primarily in spoken language with friends and family. It adds a layer of emotional intensity that makes your speech sound more authentic. In written communication like business emails, opt for 'taihen' or 'hijou ni' to maintain a professional tone.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to use 'sugoku' directly before a noun, but it must modify an adjective or verb. Remember that it is an adverb, not an adjective. Also, avoid using it in formal writing as it may sound too colloquial.
Tips
Use for emotional emphasis in conversation
When you want to sound more natural and expressive in casual Japanese, replace 'totemo' with 'sugoku'. It helps convey your personal feelings more effectively.
Avoid in formal business settings
Using 'sugoku' in a business email or meeting might sound unprofessional. Stick to 'taihen' or 'hijou ni' in formal contexts.
The evolution of casual intensifiers
Japanese has many levels of intensity. 'Sugoku' is standard casual, while 'meccha' or 'chou' are even more slang-like and common among younger generations.
Word Origin
Derived from the adjective 'sugoi' (amazing/terrible). The 'ku' ending is the adverbial form of the adjective.
Cultural Context
The usage of 'sugoku' reflects the Japanese tendency to emphasize feelings in casual speech. It is a staple of everyday Japanese communication.
Memory Tip
Think of 'sugoku' as the 'super' of Japanese. If you can say 'super' in English, you can often use 'sugoku' in Japanese.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsどちらも程度が高いことを表しますが、「とても」は書き言葉でも使えるのに対し、「すごく」は話し言葉に特化しています。日常会話では「すごく」の方が感情がこもった響きになります。
あまりおすすめしません。目上の人に対しては「とても」や「大変」を使うのがマナーです。「すごく」は親しい友人や家族の間で使うのが適切です。
「すごい」は形容詞で、名詞を修飾したり文末に来たりします。「すごく」は副詞で、形容詞や動詞を修飾します。
いいえ、置けません。「すごく本」とは言わず、「すごく面白い本」のように形容詞を挟む必要があります。
Test Yourself
今日は___暑いですね。
形容詞「暑い」を修飾するので、副詞の「すごく」が適切です。
次のうち、正しい表現はどれですか？
「すごく」は副詞なので、動詞や形容詞を修飾します。
（映画 / すごく / 面白かった / を / 見た）
「すごく」が「面白い」を修飾する語順が正しいです。
Score: /3
Summary
Sugoku is the most natural way to emphasize a high degree in casual Japanese conversation.
- Used to emphasize a high degree of something.
- More informal and conversational than the word totemo.
- Commonly used with adjectives to express strong feelings.
Use for emotional emphasis in conversation
When you want to sound more natural and expressive in casual Japanese, replace 'totemo' with 'sugoku'. It helps convey your personal feelings more effectively.
Avoid in formal business settings
Using 'sugoku' in a business email or meeting might sound unprofessional. Stick to 'taihen' or 'hijou ni' in formal contexts.
The evolution of casual intensifiers
Japanese has many levels of intensity. 'Sugoku' is standard casual, while 'meccha' or 'chou' are even more slang-like and common among younger generations.
Examples
4 of 4このケーキはすごく美味しいです。
This cake is very delicious.
昨日はすごく忙しかったです。
I was very busy yesterday.
すごく疲れたよ。
I'm super tired.
この問題はすごく難しい。
This problem is very difficult.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More food words
〜ほど
B1About; approximately; degree.
~ほど
B1About, approximately; to the extent of ~.
豊富な
B1Abundant, rich in.
ふんだんに
B1Lavishly; abundantly; generously (e.g., using ingredients).
足す
B1To add (e.g., to a sum, to ingredients).
添加物
B1Additive.
〜てから
B1After doing ~.
~てから
B1After doing (an action).
熟成させる
B1To age; to mature (food).
熟成した
B1Aged; matured.
