Hello, I’m Kodak.
You want to say “very” in Japanese, so you open a dictionary and find several answers:
かなり (kanari)
すごく (sugoku)
めっちゃ (meccha)
超 (chō)
非常に (hijō ni)
極めて (kiwamete)
“very” = とても (totemo)
とても is neutral, widely understood, and safe in both casual and polite conversation.
The other expressions show differences in objectivity, emotion, formality, region, and speaker style.
とても — neutral “very”
かなり — “quite / considerably,” compared with a standard
すごく — conversational “really”
めっちゃ — lively casual “really / super,” with Kansai roots
超 — short and punchy casual “super”
非常に — formal “very / extremely”
極めて — highly formal or analytical “extremely”
① the safest basic way to say “very” in Japanese
② the differences between とても, かなり, すごく, めっちゃ, and 超
③ formal ways to say “extremely”
④ how to choose an intensifier by situation and relationship
⑤ how to use intensifiers with adjectives, verbs, nouns, quantities, and time
⑥ why English “very” cannot always be translated word for word
⑦ the special negative meaning of とても
⑧ beginner mistakes involving politeness and anime slang
⑨ natural examples for daily speech, work, messages, anime, and writing
How Do You Say “Very” in Japanese?
The most useful basic answer is:
Hiragana: とても
Romaji: totemo
Meaning: very / really
この本はとても面白いです。
Kono hon wa totemo omoshiroi desu.
This book is very interesting.
今日はとても暑い。
Kyō wa totemo atsui.
It is very hot today.
先生はとても親切でした。
Sensei wa totemo shinsetsu deshita.
The teacher was very kind.
とても is normal modern Japanese. It may sound calmer and less slangy than めっちゃ or 超, but it is not unnatural or old-fashioned.
There Is No Single Japanese Word for Every English “Very”
English uses very in many grammatical patterns, but Japanese chooses different expressions depending on what is being intensified.
とてもかわいい
very busy
とても忙しい
like it very much
とても好き / 大好き
walked a very long way
かなり歩いた
very many people
とても多くの人 / かなりの人数
the very same day
まさにその日 / その当日
⇒ Here, “very” means “exact,” not high degree.
Is it raising a degree?
Emphasizing an exact identity?
Strengthening a quantity?
Modifying an action?
Then choose a natural Japanese expression.
Japanese Intensifiers at a Glance
Neutral, safe, and widely usable
Best first word for beginners
かなり
Measured evaluation above a normal or expected level
Good for price, quantity, progress, skill, distance, and risk
すごく
Natural conversational “really”
Expressive without being strongly regional
めっちゃ
Lively, casual “really / super / so”
Kansai roots, now widely used
超
Short, punchy “super”
Casual intensifier developed from the idea of going beyond a limit
非常に
Formal “very / extremely”
Common in reports, explanations, and careful speech
極めて
Highly formal and analytical “extremely”
Often used for serious judgments
1. とても (Totemo): The Safest Neutral “Very”
とても directly expresses a high degree without strongly marking the speaker as casual, regional, or formal.
・general “very” sentences
・beginner Japanese
・polite conversation
・talking with teachers or unfamiliar people
・ordinary writing and personal emails
・calm descriptions and compliments
日本語の勉強はとても楽しいです。
Nihongo no benkyō wa totemo tanoshii desu.
Studying Japanese is very enjoyable.
この町はとても静かだ。
Kono machi wa totemo shizuka da.
This town is very quiet.
お会いできてとても嬉しいです。
Oai dekite totemo ureshii desu.
I am very happy to meet you.
とても嬉しいです！ can express deep emotion. The main difference is usually neutral style vs casual energy.
The Special Negative Use of とても
Before a negative expression, とても can mean “cannot possibly,” “by no means,” or “there is no way.”
There is no way I can eat it all.
一人ではとてもできません。
I cannot possibly do it alone.
そんな高い物はとても買えない。
There is no way I can buy something that expensive.
This is one reason とても cannot always be replaced with めっちゃ or 超.
2. かなり (Kanari): “Quite” or “Considerably”
かなり often means that a degree, amount, distance, or change is clearly above an ordinary standard or expectation.
“Compared with the normal level, this is noticeably high.”
Common translations:
quite / considerably / fairly / rather / significantly
この問題はかなり難しい。
Kono mondai wa kanari muzukashii.
This problem is quite difficult.
駅からホテルまではかなり遠い。
Eki kara hoteru made wa kanari tōi.
The hotel is quite far from the station.
準備はかなり進んでいる。
Junbi wa kanari susunde iru.
The preparations have progressed considerably.
彼は日本語がかなり上手だ。
Kare wa Nihongo ga kanari jōzu da.
His Japanese is quite good.
The speaker still decides what the normal standard is. Think of it as comparative judgment, not a precise scientific measurement.
かなりの + Noun
a considerable number of people
かなりの金額
a considerable sum of money
かなりの距離
a considerable distance
かなりの影響
a significant impact
Learn more: What Does かなり (Kanari) Mean in Japanese?
3. すごく (Sugoku): A Natural Conversational “Really”
すごく is one of the most common ways to intensify an adjective or feeling in everyday conversation.
⇒ very
⇒ really
⇒ greatly
Tone: conversational and expressive
この映画、すごく面白い。
Kono eiga, sugoku omoshiroi.
This movie is really interesting.
今日はすごく疲れた。
Kyō wa sugoku tsukareta.
I am really tired today.
会えてすごく嬉しい。
Aete sugoku ureshii.
I’m really happy to see you.
It is a useful bridge between neutral とても and more strongly casual intensifiers.
4. めっちゃ (Meccha): Lively Casual “Really / Super”
めっちゃ expresses a very high degree with a friendly, spontaneous, and conversational tone.
⇒ really
⇒ super
⇒ so
⇒ extremely
Tone: casual, lively, emotionally expressive
このケーキ、めっちゃおいしい！
Kono kēki, meccha oishii!
This cake is so good!
その服、めっちゃかわいい。
Sono fuku, meccha kawaii.
That outfit is super cute.
昨日、めっちゃ笑った。
Kinō, meccha waratta.
I laughed so hard yesterday.
Using めっちゃ does not require you to use a full Kansai accent.
The です ending is polite, but めっちゃ still gives the vocabulary a casual tone. With a customer or in a formal presentation, とてもおいしいです is safer.
Learn more: What Does めっちゃ (Meccha) Mean in Japanese?
5. 超 (Chō): A Punchy Casual “Super”
超 has the core image of going beyond an ordinary boundary. In casual speech, it can strengthen the following word like English “super.”
⇒ super
⇒ really
⇒ extremely
Tone: short, punchy, casual
超かわいい！
Chō kawaii!
Super cute!
このアプリ、超便利。
Kono apuri, chō benri.
This app is super convenient.
合格して超うれしい！
Gōkaku shite chō ureshii!
I’m so happy that I passed!
超音速 (“supersonic”) and 100万人超 (“more than one million people”) are standard expressions.
The slang-like use is the everyday intensifier in phrases such as 超かわいい.
Learn more: What Does 超 (Chō) Mean in Japanese?
6. 非常に (Hijō ni): Formal “Very / Extremely”
非常に is common in formal speech, reports, news, business explanations, and careful writing.
⇒ very
⇒ extremely
⇒ highly
Tone: formal, serious, explanatory
この問題は非常に重要です。
Kono mondai wa hijō ni jūyō desu.
This issue is extremely important.
現在の状況は非常に厳しいです。
Genzai no jōkyō wa hijō ni kibishii desu.
The current situation is extremely severe.
この資料は非常に分かりやすい。
Kono shiryō wa hijō ni wakariyasui.
This material is very easy to understand.
Friends more often use すごく, めっちゃ, or 超.
7. 極めて (Kiwamete): Highly Formal “Extremely”
極めて presents something as reaching an exceptional or extreme degree. It often appears in formal analysis, academic writing, official statements, and serious evaluations.
⇒ extremely
⇒ exceptionally
⇒ highly
Tone: analytical, official, highly formal
その可能性は極めて低い。
Sono kanōsei wa kiwamete hikui.
That possibility is extremely low.
これは極めて重要な問題だ。
Kore wa kiwamete jūyō na mondai da.
This is an extremely important issue.
Which Japanese Word for “Very” Should You Use?
⇒ とても
You are comparing something with a normal or expected level
⇒ かなり
You are talking naturally with friends
⇒ すごく
You want an energetic “so / super”
⇒ めっちゃ
You want a short, punchy “super”
⇒ 超
You are writing a report or giving a formal explanation
⇒ 非常に
You need an analytical or official “extremely”
⇒ 極めて
It may not capture every subtle nuance, but it is rarely socially dangerous. Once you become comfortable with the context, replace it with a more specific expression.
Is There a Fixed Strength Ranking?
A simple scale can help beginners, but no intensifier has a fixed numerical strength.
やや / 少し
somewhat / a little
↓
かなり
quite / considerably
↓
とても / すごく
very / really
↓
めっちゃ / 超
super / so — often sounds more emphatic because of style
↓
非常に / 極めて
extremely — formal and serious
非常に and 極めて often appear in serious high-degree judgments, but a shouted めっちゃ怖い！ can feel more emotionally intense in conversation.
The Three Axes of Japanese Intensifiers
Instead of ranking every word on one line, compare them on three different axes.
How high is the quality, amount, or intensity?
2. Social style
Is the expression neutral, casual, slang-like, or formal?
3. Speaker stance
Is the speaker calmly describing, making a measured comparison, or reacting emotionally?
Degree: high
Style: neutral
Stance: direct description
かなり
Degree: noticeably high
Style: neutral
Stance: comparison or assessment
めっちゃ
Degree: high
Style: casual
Stance: lively personal reaction
非常に
Degree: high or extreme
Style: formal
Stance: serious explanation
How to Use Japanese Intensifiers with I-Adjectives
Most degree words can come directly before an i-adjective.
very cute — neutral
かなり高い
quite expensive / high — above the expected level
すごく面白い
really interesting — conversational
めっちゃ寒い
super cold — lively and casual
超難しい
super difficult — punchy and casual
非常に重要だ
extremely important — formal
How to Use Them with Na-Adjectives
この町はとても静かです。
This town is very quiet.
このアプリはかなり便利だ。
This app is quite useful.
あの人、すごく親切だった。
That person was really kind.
ここ、めっちゃ静か。
It is super quiet here.
この方法は非常に効果的です。
This method is extremely effective.
とても静かな部屋
かなり静かな部屋
めっちゃ静かな部屋
How to Use Them with Verbs
English does not normally say “very walk” or “very laugh,” so translate the resulting meaning naturally.
was very pleased
かなり歩いた
walked quite a lot / a considerable distance
すごく頑張った
worked really hard
めっちゃ笑った
laughed so hard
超寝た
slept a ton — very casual
大幅に改善した
improved substantially — measurable change
Learn common combinations rather than inserting one word mechanically before every verb.
How to Say “Very Much” in Japanese
English often uses very much with liking, gratitude, desire, and enjoyment. Japanese chooses a pattern based on the verb or feeling.
とても好きです。
大好きです。
Thank you very much.
どうもありがとうございます。
本当にありがとうございます。
I enjoyed it very much.
とても楽しかったです。
大いに楽しみました。
I want it very much.
とても欲しいです。
すごく欲しい。
I miss you very much.
とても会いたいです。
すごく会いたい。
Use どうもありがとうございます, 本当にありがとうございます, or another natural phrase.
How to Say “So” in Japanese
English so as an intensifier often overlaps with Japanese words for “very.”
めっちゃかわいい！
超かわいい！
すごくかわいい！
I am so happy!
めっちゃ嬉しい！
すごく嬉しい！
とても嬉しいです！
It is so difficult.
すごく難しい。
めっちゃ難しい。
とても難しいです。
How to Say “Extremely” in Japanese
formal and broadly useful “extremely”
極めて
highly formal or analytical “extremely”
ものすごく
very strong conversational “incredibly”
めちゃくちゃ
forceful casual “extremely”; also has a separate “chaotic” meaning
著しく
markedly / significantly; useful for observable change
大幅に
substantially / by a large margin; useful for numerical change
How to Say “Quite” or “Fairly” in Japanese
かなり is an important option, but English quite and fairly vary in strength.
quite / considerably — noticeably above normal
結構
quite / rather — often more than expected; also has other meanings
割と / 割に
relatively / fairly — compared with expectations
比較的
relatively — more analytical and explicit comparison
この問題は割と簡単だ。
This problem is relatively easy.
この問題はかなり難しい。
This problem is quite difficult.
Very vs Too: Do Not Confuse とても and ～すぎる
English very means a high degree. English too often means the degree exceeds what is acceptable.
It is very expensive.
高すぎる。
It is too expensive.
とても暑い。
It is very hot.
暑すぎる。
It is too hot.
To clearly mean “too expensive,” use 高すぎる.
The Same Sentence with Different Intensifiers
Compare how one adjective changes with the speaker’s tone.
とてもおいしいです。
It is very delicious.
⇒ Neutral and polite.
かなりおいしい。
It is quite good.
⇒ Better than expected or clearly above average.
すごくおいしい。
It is really delicious.
⇒ Natural conversational praise.
めっちゃおいしい！
It is so good!
⇒ Lively casual reaction.
超おいしい！
It is super good!
⇒ Short, punchy reaction.
非常においしいです。
It is extremely delicious.
⇒ Formal or deliberately serious evaluation.
The word choice tells us how the speaker frames the evaluation and what relationship they have with the listener.
Situation 1: Complimenting Someone
That outfit suits you very well.
⇒ Polite, calm compliment.
その服、すごく似合ってる。
That outfit looks really good on you.
⇒ Friendly compliment.
その服、めっちゃ似合ってる！
That outfit looks so good on you!
⇒ Enthusiastic casual compliment.
その服、超似合ってる！
That outfit looks super good on you!
⇒ Punchy, youthful reaction.
Situation 2: Reporting Project Progress
The preparations are going very smoothly.
⇒ General positive evaluation.
準備はかなり進んでいます。
The preparations have progressed considerably.
⇒ Assessment of the amount of progress.
準備は大幅に進みました。
The preparations advanced substantially.
⇒ Large measurable change.
準備は非常に順調です。
The preparations are progressing extremely smoothly.
⇒ Formal evaluation.
Situation 3: Complaining About a Test
Today’s exam was very difficult.
⇒ Neutral report.
今日の試験はかなり難しかった。
Today’s exam was quite difficult.
⇒ Harder than expected or above the usual level.
今日のテスト、すごく難しかった。
Today’s test was really hard.
⇒ Natural casual complaint.
今日のテスト、めっちゃ難しかった！
Today’s test was super hard!
⇒ Strong friendly complaint.
Situation 4: Describing Risk
This road is very dangerous.
⇒ Direct warning.
この道はかなり危険です。
This road is quite dangerous.
⇒ Danger is clearly above an acceptable standard.
この道は非常に危険です。
This road is extremely dangerous.
⇒ Formal, serious warning.
この道、めっちゃ危ない。
This road is really dangerous.
⇒ Casual immediate reaction.
Japanese Intensifiers in Anime and Manga
You are very strong.
⇒ Polite or controlled character voice.
あいつ、かなり強いぞ。
That guy is pretty strong.
⇒ Measured assessment of an opponent.
こいつ、すごく強い！
This guy is really strong!
⇒ Surprise and emotion.
めっちゃ強いやん！
You’re super strong!
⇒ Casual, energetic, possibly Kansai-flavored sentence.
この敵、超強い！
This enemy is super strong!
⇒ Punchy, game-like reaction.
敵の能力は極めて危険だ。
The enemy’s ability is extremely dangerous.
⇒ Serious analytical or official-sounding voice.
A beginner can first use めっちゃ強い without copying every part of a character’s speech style.
Japanese Intensifiers in Text Messages and Social Media
I had a very good time today. Thank you.
⇒ Polite message.
今日すごく楽しかった！ありがとう！
Today was really fun! Thanks!
⇒ Friendly message.
今日めっちゃ楽しかった！
Today was so much fun!
⇒ Lively and casual.
今日超楽しかった！
Today was super fun!
⇒ Short and punchy.
Writers also stretch sounds visually:
really cute — emphatic form of とても
めーーっちゃかわいい
soooo cute — playful spelling
チョーかわいい
super cute — katakana emphasizes the casual pronunciation
Japanese Intensifiers in Business and Formal Writing
結果はとても良好です。
The results are very good.
Measured assessment:
売上はかなり増加しました。
Sales increased considerably.
More precise change:
売上は前年比20％増加しました。
Sales increased by 20 percent year on year.
Formal:
この問題は非常に重要です。
This issue is extremely important.
Highly formal:
その可能性は極めて低いです。
That possibility is extremely low.
When precision matters, give the number, percentage, distance, or time. かなり still depends on the writer’s judgment.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using めっちゃ or 超 Everywhere
They sound natural in casual media, but overusing them can make your Japanese repetitive and socially mismatched.
この店、めっちゃいい！
Customer presentation:
このサービスは非常に便利です。
Safe neutral choice:
このサービスはとても便利です。
Mistake 2: Believing One Word Is Always Strongest
Intensity, formality, emotion, and speaker stance are different. There is no universal winner.
Mistake 3: Translating Every “Very” as とても
まさに同じ人 / その本人
the very first day
まさに初日 / 最初の日そのもの
Thank you very much
どうもありがとうございます
very many people
非常に多くの人 / かなりの人数
Mistake 4: Saying とてもです or めっちゃです Alone
× めっちゃです。
× 超です。
○ とてもおいしいです。
○ めっちゃおいしいです。
○ 超便利です。
Mistake 5: Confusing “Very” with “Too”
とても難しい
too difficult
難しすぎる
Mistake 6: Treating かなり as a Precise Number
It suggests a substantial degree, but the exact threshold changes with context.
Mistake 7: Forgetting Register Inside a Polite Sentence
めっちゃおいしいです is politely ended but still friendly and informal in vocabulary.
Natural Example Sentences
この公園はとても広いです。
Kono kōen wa totemo hiroi desu.
This park is very large.
今日はとても気分がいい。
Kyō wa totemo kibun ga ii.
I feel very good today.
その作業にはかなり時間がかかる。
Sono sagyō ni wa kanari jikan ga kakaru.
That task takes a considerable amount of time.
去年より売上がかなり増えた。
Kyonen yori uriage ga kanari fueta.
Sales increased considerably compared with last year.
この曲、すごく好き。
Kono kyoku, sugoku suki.
I really love this song.
その話、すごく気になる。
Sono hanashi, sugoku ki ni naru.
I’m really curious about that.
このラーメン、めっちゃおいしい。
Kono rāmen, meccha oishii.
This ramen is so good.
昨日のライブ、めっちゃ楽しかった。
Kinō no raibu, meccha tanoshikatta.
Yesterday’s concert was so much fun.
そのキャラクター、超かわいい！
Sono kyarakutā, chō kawaii!
That character is super cute!
この機能、超便利だよ。
Kono kinō, chō benri da yo.
This feature is super convenient.
この問題は非常に重要です。
Kono mondai wa hijō ni jūyō desu.
This issue is extremely important.
事故の危険性は極めて低い。
Jiko no kikensei wa kiwamete hikui.
The risk of an accident is extremely low.
一人ではとても運べない。
Hitori de wa totemo hakobenai.
There is no way I can carry it alone.
ここまで来るのにかなり歩いた。
Koko made kuru no ni kanari aruita.
I walked quite a long way to get here.
その動画、めっちゃ笑った。
Sono dōga, meccha waratta.
That video made me laugh so hard.
今日は宿題が超多い。
Kyō wa shukudai ga chō ōi.
I have a ton of homework today.
FAQ About Saying “Very” in Japanese
What is the most common Japanese word for “very”?
とても (totemo) is the safest general answer. It is neutral, widely understood, and natural in both casual and polite conversation.
What is the difference between とても and かなり?
とても directly says the degree is high. かなり often suggests that the degree is noticeably above a normal or expected standard.
What is the difference between とても and めっちゃ?
とても is neutral and broadly usable. めっちゃ is casual, lively, and emotionally expressive.
Is めっちゃ stronger than とても?
It often feels stronger because it sounds more emotional, but there is no fixed intensity ranking. Tone and context matter.
What is the difference between めっちゃ and 超?
Both can mean “super.” めっちゃ has Kansai roots and often sounds flowing and conversational. 超 sounds shorter and punchier.
Is めっちゃ only Kansai dialect?
It originated as a strongly Kansai-associated expression, but it is now widely used throughout Japan in casual speech.
Is 超 slang?
The character and its normal prefix use are standard Japanese. Its use before everyday adjectives, as in 超かわいい, is informal and slang-like.
How do you say “really” in Japanese?
Common choices include すごく, 本当に, とても, and casually めっちゃ. The best choice depends on whether “really” means high degree or “truly.”
What is the difference between すごく and 本当に?
すごく commonly raises degree, as in “really interesting.” 本当に can also mean “truly” or “actually,” confirming truth as well as degree.
How do you say “extremely” in Japanese?
非常に is a common formal choice. 極めて is more analytical or official. Casual alternatives include ものすごく and めちゃくちゃ.
How do you say “very much” in Japanese?
It depends on the expression. “I like it very much” can be とても好きです, while “Thank you very much” is naturally どうもありがとうございます or 本当にありがとうございます.
What does とてもできない mean?
It means “I cannot possibly do it.” Before a negative expression, とても can express impossibility rather than only high degree.
Can Japanese intensifiers modify verbs?
Yes, when the action allows a natural interpretation of degree, amount, intensity, or emotion. Examples include かなり歩いた, すごく頑張った, and めっちゃ笑った.
Can I say めっちゃおいしいです?
Yes, in friendly polite conversation. The ending is polite, but めっちゃ still sounds casual.
Which word should a beginner learn first?
Learn とても first, followed by かなり, すごく, めっちゃ, 超, and 非常に.
Learn the Four Core Articles in Theme 27
What Does めっちゃ (Meccha) Mean in Japanese?
2. 超: punchy youth-language “super”
What Does 超 (Chō) Mean in Japanese?
3. とても vs めっちゃ: neutral vs casual
Totemo vs Meccha: Difference Between とても and めっちゃ
4. かなり: measured and comparison-based degree
What Does かなり (Kanari) Mean in Japanese?
Summary: How to Say “Very” in Japanese
とても = very / really
● For a measured comparison
かなり = quite / considerably; above a normal or expected standard
● For ordinary casual conversation
すごく = really
● For lively casual speech
めっちゃ = really / super / so
● For a short, punchy reaction
超 = super
● For formal explanations
非常に = very / extremely
● For analytical or official writing
極めて = extremely
● Important grammar point
とても + negative expression can mean “cannot possibly.”
● Important translation point
Do not translate every English “very” mechanically. Choose a Japanese expression that fits the grammar, situation, relationship, and speaker’s stance.
Then add one new dimension at a time:
かなり for measured comparison,
すごく for normal conversation,
めっちゃ for lively casual reactions,
超 for punchy “super,”
and 非常に for formal explanations.
You are not only learning stronger and weaker words—you are learning how Japanese speakers position themselves toward the listener and the situation.
References
- goo Dictionary / Digital Daijisen: とても — degree meaning, special negative use, and derivation from とてもかくても.
- National Institute for Japanese Language and Linguistics: Colloquial Intensifiers Such as めちゃめちゃ and 超 — degree-adverb classification and stylistic differences.
- National Institute for Japanese Language and Linguistics: The Spread of Kansai Dialect — the nationwide spread of めっちゃ.
- goo Dictionary / Digital Daijisen: めっちゃ — meaning, development from めちゃ, and ateji spelling.
- goo Thesaurus: かなり／相当 — ordinary-level comparison and differences in tone.
- Kotobank: 超 — prefix, suffix, and informal intensifier uses.