Totemo is the most versatile and standard way to say very in Japanese.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to express a high degree of something.
- Commonly used with adjectives and adverbs.
- Standard polite adverb for daily communication.
Overview
- 1概要：「とても」は日本語で最も一般的に使われる強調の副詞です。英語の「very」や「extremely」に相当し、物事の程度が基準を超えていることを示します。日常会話からビジネスまで幅広く使用可能です。
- 1使用パターン：基本的には形容詞や形容動詞を修飾します（例：とても美しい、とても静かだ）。また、感情を表す動詞や一部の副詞を修飾することもあります（例：とても感謝している）。否定文で使う場合は、「とても〜ない」という形で「全く〜ない」「少しも〜ない」という強い否定の意味になります。
一般的な文脈：日常会話で「とても暑い」「とても嬉しい」のように、自分の感情や周囲の状態を相手に伝える際に頻繁に登場します。文法的には文の頭や主語の直後に置くことが一般的です。
- 1類語との比較：「とても」は万能ですが、より硬い表現としては「非常に（ひじょうに）」があり、レポートやビジネス文書で好まれます。また、話し言葉でより強調したい場合は「すごく」「めちゃくちゃ」などが使われますが、これらはカジュアルな場面に限られます。「とても」は丁寧さと強調のバランスが取れた標準的な語彙です。
Examples
今日はとても暑いです。
everydayIt is very hot today.
非常に残念です。
formalIt is extremely regrettable.
すごく楽しかった！
informalIt was really fun!
とても重要な研究である。
academicIt is a very important study.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
とてもいい
Very good
とても感謝しています
I am very grateful
とてもじゃないができない
Cannot possibly do it
Often Confused With
Hijouni is more formal and used in writing. Totemo is for daily speech.
Sugoku is much more casual and colloquial. Avoid in professional settings.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Totemo is safe to use in almost any situation except highly formal written documents. In negative sentences, it acts as a strong intensifier for 'not at all.' Ensure you use it before the adjective or verb it modifies.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes use 'totemo' with negative verbs without understanding the 'not at all' nuance. It is also sometimes incorrectly used in formal business writing where 'hijouni' is expected. Remember that 'totemo' is for emphasis, not for simple description.
Tips
Use for standard polite emphasis
Totemo is perfect for polite daily conversations. It sounds natural in almost any social situation.
Avoid in formal writing
In formal reports or academic papers, prefer using 'hijouni' instead of 'totemo' to sound more professional.
Nuance of modesty
Japanese speakers sometimes avoid overly strong adjectives even with 'totemo' to maintain a modest tone.
Word Origin
Derived from the classical Japanese 'totemo' which meant 'even if'. Over time, it evolved into an adverbial intensifier.
Cultural Context
The use of 'totemo' reflects the Japanese tendency to express emotion clearly but politely. It is a staple of polite, standard Japanese.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Totemo' as 'Totally'. It sounds similar and carries the same intensity.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「とても」は日常会話で広く使われますが、「非常に」はより硬い表現で、書き言葉やビジネスの場に適しています。
はい、使えます。その場合、「とても〜ない」という形で、強い否定（全く〜ない）を意味します。
はい、動詞や他の副詞を修飾することもあります。例えば「とても感謝しています」のように使います。
いいえ、標準的で丁寧な表現です。よりカジュアルな場では「すごく」などが使われることもあります。
Test Yourself
今日は___暑いですね。
暑さを強調する文脈なので「とても」が最適です。
Score: /1
Summary
Totemo is the most versatile and standard way to say very in Japanese.
- Used to express a high degree of something.
- Commonly used with adjectives and adverbs.
- Standard polite adverb for daily communication.
Use for standard polite emphasis
Totemo is perfect for polite daily conversations. It sounds natural in almost any social situation.
Avoid in formal writing
In formal reports or academic papers, prefer using 'hijouni' instead of 'totemo' to sound more professional.
Nuance of modesty
Japanese speakers sometimes avoid overly strong adjectives even with 'totemo' to maintain a modest tone.
Examples
4 of 4今日はとても暑いです。
It is very hot today.
非常に残念です。
It is extremely regrettable.
すごく楽しかった！
It was really fun!
とても重要な研究である。
It is a very important study.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
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.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
