A2 形容词 17 min read 简单

Totemo vs. Sugoku：如何像当地人一样说“非常”

想显得有礼貌就用 «とても»，想表达强烈情感或和朋友闲聊就选 «すごく»。看，就这么简单！
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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.
Degree Adverb (とても/すごく) + Adjective/Verb

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

Both 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}.
*Example:* 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.
*Example:* 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.
*Example:* 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}.
This is a fundamental rule for creating adverbs from 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.
*Example:* 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.
*Example:* 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.
*Example:* 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.
Pitch Accent Notes: While not a grammatical rule for A2 learners, being aware of pitch accent can aid natural pronunciation. 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

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Both 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.
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1. Adverb + い {i}-Adjective
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This is the most common application, intensifying the quality expressed by the い {i}-adjective. The adverb always comes directly before the adjective.
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| Adverb | い {i}-Adjective | Meaning | Example Sentence | Transcription & Translation |
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| :----- | :----------------- | :------ | :--------------- | :-------------------------- |
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| 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.) |
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| 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!) |
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| 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.) |
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2. Adverb + な {na}-Adjective (stem)
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When modifying a 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}).
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| Adverb | な {na}-Adjective (stem) | Meaning | Example Sentence | Transcription & Translation |
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| :----- | :------------------------- | :------ | :--------------- | :-------------------------- |
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| 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.) |
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| 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?) |
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| 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.) |
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3. Adverb + Verb
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Both 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.
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| Adverb | Verb (or adverb + verb) | Meaning | Example Sentence | Transcription & Translation |
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| :----- | :---------------------- | :------ | :--------------- | :-------------------------- |
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| 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.) |
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| 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.) |
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| 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.) |
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When 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

Choosing between 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.
1. Formality and Social Context:
The primary determinant for selection is the level of formality required by the situation and your relationship with the listener.
  • 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.
*Example:* 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.
*Example:* 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.
*Example:* 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.
*Example:* 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.
2. Nuance and Emphasis:
Beyond formality, consider the type of intensity you wish to convey.
  • 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.
*Example:* 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.
*Example:* 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.
3. Linguistic Origin of すごく {sugoku} as a Cue:
The fact that 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.
*Example:* Contrast 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

Japanese learners frequently encounter specific pitfalls when using とても {totemo} and すごく {sugoku}. Avoiding these common errors will significantly improve the naturalness and grammatical accuracy of your Japanese.
1. The すごい {sugoi} Trap: Adjective Modifying Adjective
This is perhaps the most common grammatical error, stemming from the prevalent use of 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}.
*Incorrect (slang):* 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!)
*Correct (casual):* 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!)
*Correct (neutral/polite):* 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.)
2. Overusing すごく {sugoku} in Formal Contexts
While 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.
*Inappropriate:* 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.)
*Appropriate:* 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.)
3. とても ～ ない {totemo ~ nai}: The Not At All Idiom
This is a critical idiom that often confuses learners. When 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}.
| Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence | Transcription & Translation |
| :----- | :------ | :--------------- | :-------------------------- |
| 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.) |
*Example 1:* 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.)
*Example 2:* 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.)
4. Redundancy: とてもすごく {totemo sugoku}
Combining both intensifiers, such as 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.
*Incorrect:* 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!}
*Correct (neutral/polite):* 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.)
*Correct (casual/emphatic):* 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

Both 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.
Common with とても {totemo} (Neutral/Polite emphasis):
These collocations often appear in more considered statements or polite conversation.
  • とても嬉しい {totemo ureshii}: Very happy/glad. Often used for sincere expressions of happiness.
*Example:* 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.
*Example:* 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.
*Example:* 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.
*Example:* 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.
*Example:* 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.)
Common with すごく {sugoku} (Casual/Emphatic emphasis):
These pairings are characteristic of lively, spontaneous conversations and emotional expressions.
  • すごく楽しい {sugoku tanoshii}: Super fun/incredibly enjoyable. Expresses strong, often enthusiastic, enjoyment.
*Example:* 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.
*Example:* 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.
*Example:* 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.
*Example:* 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)).
*Example:* 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.)
These collocations highlight how each adverb naturally integrates into different communicative patterns and registers. Pay close attention to how native speakers use them across various social situations to develop your intuition for their appropriate application.

Quick FAQ

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about とても {totemo} and すごく {sugoku}, addressing common points of confusion for learners.
Q: Can I use 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.

Q: Is 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.

Q: What about other intensifiers like 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).
These should be used with extreme caution until you are very comfortable with Japanese social dynamics and have extensively observed native speakers using them in similar contexts. It is best to avoid them entirely in any formal or semi-formal situation.
Q: Can 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).

Q: Does 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'.

1

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

Reference table for Totemo vs. Sugoku：如何像当地人一样说“非常”
单词 语气/语境 例句 中文意思
とても
标准 / 礼貌
とても美味しいです。
非常美味。
すごく
休闲 / 强调
すごく眠い。
超级困。
大変
正式 / 书面
大変難しい。
极其困难。
超 (俚语)
非常随意
超やばい。
超级牛/超级糟糕。
めちゃ (俚语)
非常随意
めちゃ暑い。
热得要命。

正式程度

正式
{とても|とても} {寒い|さむい}です。

{とても|とても} {寒い|さむい}です。 (Weather)

中性
{とても|とても} {寒い|さむい}です。

{とても|とても} {寒い|さむい}です。 (Weather)

非正式
{すごく|すごく} {寒い|さむい}！

{すごく|すごく} {寒い|さむい}！ (Weather)

俚语
{すっごく|すっごく} {寒い|さむい}！

{すっごく|すっごく} {寒い|さむい}！ (Weather)

とても vs. すごく 的世界观

非常 / 程度高

正式 / 礼貌

  • とても 标准“非常”
  • 大変 极其 (正式)

休闲 / 口语

  • すごく 超级 / 厉害
  • めっちゃ 爆…… (俚语)

从形容词到副词的转变

形容词 (描述词)
すごい 厉害的 / 惊人的
やばい 糟糕的 / 疯狂的
副词 (加强语气)
すごく 超级……地
やばく 疯狂地

我该用哪个“非常”？

1

你在和老板或老师说话吗？

YES
用 'とても' (最保险)
NO
看语境……
2

是随意的聊天或发短信吗？

YES
用 'すごく' (最自然)
NO ↓

常见搭配

👔

とても (礼貌用)

  • • とても美味しい (好吃)
  • • とても親切 (亲切)
  • • とても綺麗 (漂亮)
🧢

すごく (朋友用)

  • • すごく眠い (好困)
  • • すごく怠い (好懒散)
  • • すごく受ける (超好笑)
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按水平分级的例句

1

{とても|とても} {美味しい|おいしい}です。

It is very delicious.

2

{とても|とても} {暑い|あつい}です。

It is very hot.

3

{とても|とても} {綺麗|きれい}です。

It is very beautiful.

4

{とても|とても} {大きい|おおきい}です。

It is very big.

1

{すごく|すごく} {楽しい|たのしい}！

It's really fun!

2

{すごく|すごく} {忙しい|いそがしい}です。

I'm really busy.

3

{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.

4

{すごく|すごく} {疲れた|つかれた}。

I'm really tired.

1

{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.

2

{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.

3

{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.

4

{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.

1

{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.

2

{すごく|すごく} {緊張|きんちょう}しています。

I'm really nervous.

3

{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.

4

{すごく|すごく} {感動|かんどう}しました。

I was really moved.

1

{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.

2

{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.

3

{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.

4

{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.

1

{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.

2

{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.

3

{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.

4

{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.

容易混淆

Totemo vs. Sugoku: How to Say "Very" Like a Local 对比 Sugoi vs Sugoku

Sugoi is an adjective; Sugoku is an adverb.

Totemo vs. Sugoku: How to Say "Very" Like a Local 对比 Totemo vs Taihen

Taihen often implies difficulty/negative.

Totemo vs. Sugoku: How to Say "Very" Like a Local 对比 Meccha vs Sugoku

Both are casual.

常见错误

✗

Sugoku desu.

✓

Totemo desu.

Sugoku is too casual for 'desu' in formal settings.
✗

Totemo sugoi.

✓

Totemo ii.

Totemo doesn't modify sugoi well.
✗

Sugoku no desu.

✓

Sugoku desu.

Grammar error.
✗

Totemo desu.

✓

Totemo [adj] desu.

Totemo needs an adjective.
✗

Sugoku formal.

✓

Totemo formal.

Wrong register.
✗

Totemo sugoi.

✓

Sugoku sugoi.

Redundant.
✗

Sugoku-i desu.

✓

Sugoku desu.

Adverb form error.
✗

Totemo-ku.

✓

Totemo.

Totemo is not an adjective.
✗

Sugoku-ku.

✓

Sugoku.

Redundant adverb.
✗

Totemo-tai.

✓

Totemo.

Wrong suffix.
✗

Sugoku-ni.

✓

Sugoku.

Sugoku is already an adverb.
✗

Totemo-ni.

✓

Totemo.

Totemo is already an adverb.
✗

Sugoku-sa.

✓

Sugoku.

Noun form error.
✗

Totemo-sa.

✓

Totemo.

Noun form error.

句型

___ ___ です。

___ ___ ！

___ ___ ですが、___。

___ ___ と 思います。

Real World Usage

Texting constant

Sugoku tanoshii!

Business Meeting very common

Totemo jūyō desu.

Social Media very common

Sugoku oishii!

Travel common

Totemo kirei desu.

Food Delivery occasional

Totemo hayai desu.

Job Interview common

Totemo kōkyōshin ga arimasu.

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🎯

“すごい” 的口语小窍门

你会听到日本人说 «すごい美味しい»。虽然语法上应该用副词形式，但在非正式聊天中这样说非常自然。先学会规则，再像当地人一样打破它！
💬

观察场合

对亲近的朋友用 «とても» 有时会显得太客气，甚至有点疏远。换成 «すごく» 能瞬间拉近你们的距离，感觉大家是一伙的。
⚠️

否定句里的陷阱

注意啦！«とても» 加上否定动词（比如 «とてもできない»）意思会变成“绝对做不到”。它的意思从“非常”变成了“完全不”。

Smart Tips

Use Totemo.

Sugoku kirei desu. → Totemo kirei desu.

Use Sugoku.

Totemo tanoshii! → Sugoku tanoshii!

Use Taihen.

Totemo mondai desu. → Taihen na mondai desu.

Use Sugoku.

Totemo ureshii. → Sugoku ureshii!

发音

toh-teh-moh

Totemo

Pronounced to-te-mo, flat intonation.

soo-goh-koo

Sugoku

Pronounced su-go-ku, emphasis on 'go'.

Flat

Totemo

Neutral statement

Rising

Sugoku?

Surprise/Question

记住它

记忆技巧

Totemo is for the 'T'eacher (polite), Sugoku is for 'S'ocializing (casual).

视觉联想

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

とてもすごくすごいたいへんとてもいいすごくいい

挑战

Write 3 sentences about your day using 'totemo' and 3 using 'sugoku'.

文化笔记

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).

对话开场白

“

Today is very hot, right?

“

Was the movie interesting?

“

Is your job very busy?

“

Was the test very difficult?

日记主题

Describe your favorite food.
Describe a busy day at work/school.
Describe a trip you took.
Describe a difficult challenge you overcame.

常见错误

Incorrect

正确

Incorrect

正确

Incorrect

正确

Incorrect

正确

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

在空格处填入合适的程度副词。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
因为语境是随意的（‘超级贵’），所以用 «すごく» 最合适。«とても» 也可以，但没那么有冲击力。
选出在书面日语中更准确的选项。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
«とても» 是适合论文或正式文章的标准礼貌副词。«すごく» 太口语化了。
将单词与其社交语境匹配。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
«とても» 哪里都能用，«すごく» 适合朋友聊天，«超» 则是纯纯的俚语。

Score: /3

练习题

8 exercises
Choose the correct word. 多项选择

___ 忙しいです。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Totemo is polite.
Fill in the blank.

___ 楽しい！

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Sugoku is casual.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Sugoku desu (in a meeting).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Use polite form.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

です / 綺麗 / とても

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct order.
Translate to Japanese. 翻译

It is very hot.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Polite form.
Match the register. Match Pairs

Formal vs Casual

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct mapping.
Choose the best fit. 多项选择

___ 緊張しています。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Sugoku fits emotion.
Fill in the blank.

___ 難しい問題です。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Totemo is standard.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
选择正确的词完成这个礼貌的句子。 填空

非常感谢。 {___|___} ありがとうございました。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: とても
哪句话听起来最像青少年给朋友发短信？ 多项选择

语境：给朋友发短信聊一款新游戏。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Kono geemu, sugoku omoshiroi!
重新排列单词，组成一个正确的句子。 Sentence Reorder

今天 / 非常 / 冷 / 。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: kyou wa totemo samui desu
找出这句口语中的语法错误并修正。 Error Correction

Kono keeki wa sugoi oishikatta.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Kono keeki wa sugoku oishikatta.
将日语单词与其对应的中文语感匹配。 Match Pairs

匹配强度等级。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
完成这句描述天气的句子。 填空

外面超级热呢！（随意） 外は ___ 暑いね！

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: すごく
将“我非常高兴”翻译成礼貌的日语。 翻译

我非常高兴。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Watashi wa totemo ureshii desu.
向老板汇报客户情况时，哪句最合适？ 多项选择

客户当时非常生气。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Kyakusan wa totemo okotteimashita.
排序以表达“这辆车超级快”。 Sentence Reorder

这辆车 / 超级 / 快 / 。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: kono kuruma wa sugoku hayai
在空格处填入正确的词。 填空

这本书非常有趣。（书面/正式） この本は ___ 面白いです。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: とても

Score: /10

常见问题 (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

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

muy

Register sensitivity.

French high

très

Formal vs Informal.

German high

sehr

Emotive usage.

Japanese n/a

totemo/sugoku

Register.

Arabic moderate

jiddan

Word order.

Chinese moderate

hen

Grammatical function.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
连接Na形容词：Te形 (～で)
Next
不太 / 不怎么 (amari~nai)

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