If you\u2019ve been studying Japanese for a while, you\u2019ve probably learned the word \u3068\u3066\u3082 (totemo), one of the most common way to say \u201cvery.\u201d But as you listen to real Japanese conversations, you might notice that people often use other words instead, such as: \u3059\u3054\u304f (sugoku), \u3081\u3063\u3061\u3083 (meccha), or \u8d85 (chou).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Japanese there are several ways to say \u201cvery,\u201d each carrying different nuances, levels of formality, and emotional tone. Understanding when and how to use them can help make your Japanese sound more natural and expressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u3068\u3066\u3082 is the most standard and widely used way to say \u201cvery.\u201d It works in both spoken and written Japanese and is appropriate in all situations, from casual conversations to business meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use \u3068\u3066\u3082 when you want to sound polite, neutral, or when speaking in formal contexts such as schools, offices, or with people you don\u2019t know well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u3059\u3054\u304f originally comes from \u3059\u3054\u3044 (sugoi), meaning \u201camazing\u201d or \u201cgreat.\u201d Over time, it\u2019s come to mean \u201cvery\u201d in everyday conversation. It\u2019s more casual than \u3068\u3066\u3082 and is used often by people of all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u3059\u3054\u304f adds excitement and naturalness to your speech, making it perfect for everyday situations with friends or coworkers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u3081\u3063\u3061\u3083 is a casual slang term that originally came from the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe). It is now used widely across Japan, especially among younger speakers. It carries the same meaning as \u201csuper\u201d or \u201creally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use \u3081\u3063\u3061\u3083 with friends or in informal settings. It\u2019s fun, expressive, and adds a regional flair to your Japanese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u8d85 (chou) literally means \u201csuper\u201d or \u201cultra,\u201d and it\u2019s commonly used in both slang and pop culture contexts. Like \u3081\u3063\u3061\u3083, it\u2019s informal, but it\u2019s slightly trendier or cooler sounding, the kind of word you might see in advertisements or hear from younger speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u8d85 is a go-to choice if you want your Japanese to sound expressive and modern, especially in social situations or on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re writing a report, giving a presentation, or speaking in a professional setting, \u975e\u5e38\u306b (hijou ni) is the best choice. It\u2019s formal, written, and often used in business or academic contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use \u975e\u5e38\u306b when you want to sound professional and polished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Practice Makes Perfect<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can see, Japanese has many ways to express the simple idea of \u201cvery.\u201d Each with its own tone and level of formality. Learning how and when to use each one will help your Japanese sound more authentic and adaptable to any situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This autumn, take your Japanese skills to the next level with Toranomon Language School. Our experienced instructors will help you master not just vocabulary and grammar, but the natural ways Japanese is used every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n