とても（Very）
Explanation
とても is an adverb used to indicate a high degree of something, equivalent to "very" or "extremely" in English. It is used to emphasize the intensity of a state or action and is typically paired with adjectives or adverbs.
Grammar Pattern
| Grammar Point | Connection | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| とても + Adjective / Adverb | とても + Adjective / Adverb | Used to express a very high degree of a state or action. |
Basic Usage
In everyday conversation, とても is commonly used to express strong feelings about something. It is usually followed by an adjective or adverb to indicate a very high degree of a state or action.
Examples
彼 はとても親切 です。- Kare wa totemo shinsetsu desu.
- He is very kind.
この 映画 はとても面白 いです。- Kono eiga wa totemo omoshiroi desu.
- This movie is very interesting.
今日 はとても寒 いです。- Kyou wa totemo samui desu.
- It is very cold today.
Summary
とても is a commonly used adverb in Japanese to express a high degree of something. It is primarily used before adjectives and adverbs to mean "very." By comparing it with other similar adverbs, you can better understand and use とても for more accurate and vivid expressions.
とても (No matter how...)
Explanation
とても can also be used with negative forms to mean "no matter how..." or "by no means...". This usage emphasizes that something is impossible or unachievable under any circumstances.
Grammar Pattern
| Grammar Point | Connection | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| とても + Negative Form | Verb Negative Form | Indicates that no matter how hard one tries, the result is impossible. |
Basic Usage
とても is typically followed by the negative form of a verb, expressing that no matter how hard one tries, the result is impossible.
Examples
彼 はとても50歳 には見 えない。- Kare wa totemo 50-sai ni wa mienai.
- There's no way he looks 50 years old.
その 問題 はとても解決 できないでしょう。- Sono mondai wa totemo kaiketsu dekinai deshou.
- That problem is impossible to solve.
Real-Life Scenarios
Here are some examples of how this grammar is used in everyday conversations and real-life situations:
-
Everyday Conversation
A :昨日 の試験 はどうだった？- A: Kinou no shiken wa dou datta?
- A: How was yesterday's exam?
B : とても合格 できるとは思 えない。- B: Totemo goukaku dekiru to wa omoenai.
- B: I don't think I could possibly pass.
-
Work Scenario
上司 :この 資料 を今日 中 に全部 終 わらせてください。- Joushi: Kono shiryou o kyoujuu ni zenbu owarasete kudasai.
- Boss: Please finish all these documents by today.
部下 : とても今日 中 には終 わらせられません。- Buka: Totemo kyoujuu ni wa owaraseraremasen.
- Subordinate: There's no way I can finish them by today.
-
Home Scenario
母 :その 部屋 はとても片付 けられないほど散 らかっているよ。- Haha: Sono heya wa totemo katazukerarenai hodo chirakatte iru yo.
- Mother: That room is so messy that it's impossible to clean.
子 :わかってる けど、どうしてもできないよ。- Ko: Wakatte ru kedo, dou shite mo dekinai yo.
- Child: I know, but I just can't do it.
Summary
When used with negative forms, とても strongly emphasizes that something is impossible under any circumstances. It helps speakers reinforce their tone and express strong denial or impossibility. Therefore, とても is a highly practical grammar point in daily life, allowing for more accurate expression of strong negation or impossibility.