Translation guide
Expressing a large quantity, degree, or frequency in Japanese. The best choice depends on what is 'a lot' — objects, people, actions, feelings, or abstract amounts — and whether the context is formal or casual.
To say there is a large number of countable items or people.
The most common and versatile word for 'a lot' of countable things or people. Can be used as a noun, adverb, or na-adjective. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
公園に人がたくさんいます。
There are a lot of people in the park.
たくさんの本を読みました。
I read a lot of books.
An i-adjective meaning 'many' or 'a lot'. Used to describe the quantity of something directly. Often used in the pattern [noun]が多い.
Casual and colloquial, meaning 'a lot' or 'full of'. Often used in spoken Japanese. Can also mean 'full' (as in a container).
Formal/literary expression meaning 'a large number of'. Used in writing or formal speech.
数多くの応募がありました。
We received a lot of applications.
To express a large amount of something uncountable, like water, money, time, or abstract concepts.
To say that something happens a lot or frequently.
Adverb meaning 'often' or 'frequently'. The most natural way to say 'a lot' for frequency of actions.
To emphasize the intensity of a feeling, state, or action.
Standard adverb meaning 'very' or 'a lot'. Used with adjectives and verbs to indicate a high degree.
To express that something is more than desired or appropriate.
Verb suffix meaning 'too much' or 'overdo'. Attach to verb stem or adjective stem. Very common and versatile.
食べすぎた。
I ate too much.
この部屋は暑すぎる。
This room is too hot. (a lot of heat)
To intensify gratitude, apologies, or other expressions.
Adding どうも before ありがとう means 'thank you very much' or 'thanks a lot'. どうも alone can also be a casual 'thanks'.
どうもありがとうございます。
Thank you very much.
本当に (really) + ありがとう emphasizes sincere gratitude, like 'thanks a lot'.
English 'a lot' is often not translated directly. Instead, Japanese uses adverbs like よく (often), とても (very), or quantity words like たくさん. Using a single word for all cases will sound unnatural.
彼はよく食べる。
He eats a lot.
たくさん is an adverb/noun meaning 'many/a lot', while 多い is an adjective meaning 'many'. Use たくさん before verbs (たくさん食べる) or as たくさんの+noun. Use 多い as [noun]が多い (人が多い). Do not say 多い人; it's ungrammatical.
This town has a lot of tourists.
宿題がいっぱいある。
I have a lot of homework.
Also works for uncountable amounts, though it's more common with countable items. Safe for most situations.
水をたくさん飲んでください。
Please drink a lot of water.
Can describe uncountable amounts when used as an adjective. For example, 量が多い (the amount is large).
この料理は油が多い。
This dish has a lot of oil.
Adverb meaning 'considerably' or 'quite a lot'. Emphasizes degree rather than pure quantity. Often used with adjectives or verbs.
今日はかなり暑い。
It's quite hot today. (a lot of heat)
Means 'large quantity' or 'mass'. Used in formal or technical contexts, like bulk purchases or mass production.
大量のデータを処理する。
Process a lot of data.
私はよく映画を見ます。
I watch movies a lot.
Colloquial adverb meaning 'all the time' or 'constantly'. Stronger than よく, implies very high frequency.
彼はしょっちゅう遅刻する。
He's late a lot.
Formal adverb meaning 'frequently'. Used in written or formal contexts.
彼は頻繁に海外出張をする。
He goes on business trips abroad a lot.
この本はとても面白い。
This book is very interesting. (I like it a lot.)
Casual intensifier, stronger than とても. Very common in spoken Japanese.
すごく疲れた。
I'm really tired. (a lot of fatigue)
Formal/literary adverb meaning 'greatly' or 'very much'. Often used in set phrases like 大いに結構 (quite all right).
ご成功を大いに期待しています。
I expect a lot from your success.
Adverb meaning 'too much' or 'excessively'. Often used with adjectives or verbs. More emphatic than すぎる alone.
あまりにも高い。
It's way too expensive. (costs a lot)
本当にありがとう！
Thanks a lot!