Translation guide
The English word "quite" has two main uses: as an intensifier meaning "very" or "completely," and as a moderating adverb meaning "fairly" or "to some extent." Japanese expresses these nuances with different adverbs and sentence patterns, and the choice depends on whether you are emphasizing degree or softening a statement.
Express that something is to a high degree or fully the case.
A common and versatile adverb meaning 'considerably' or 'quite.' It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, and is neutral in register.
この映画はかなり面白かった。
This movie was quite interesting.
彼はかなり疲れているようだ。
He seems quite tired.
Means 'very' and is often a good match for 'quite' when emphasizing a high degree. Slightly more emphatic than かなり in many contexts.
Means 'completely' or 'absolutely,' used when 'quite' means 'entirely.' Often used with negative expressions or to show strong agreement.
Casual intensifier meaning 'really' or 'very.' Common in spoken Japanese. Can replace 'quite' in informal settings.
昨日のパーティーはすごく楽しかった。
Yesterday's party was quite fun.
A somewhat formal or literary adverb meaning 'indeed' or 'truly.' It adds emphasis and is often used in written language or formal speech.
Soften a statement, indicating a moderate degree.
Means 'quite' in the sense of 'fairly' or 'rather.' It implies a higher degree than expected but not extreme. Very common in everyday speech.
この店のラーメンは結構美味しい。
The ramen at this shop is quite good.
今日は結構寒いね。
It's quite cold today, isn't it?
Often used with positive adjectives to mean 'quite' or 'rather,' implying that something is better than expected. It carries a nuance of pleasant surprise.
Means 'relatively' or 'comparatively,' often used to mean 'quite' in a moderate sense. Casual and common in conversation.
この映画、割と面白かったよ。
This movie was quite interesting.
Means 'so-so' or 'passably,' but can be used to mean 'quite' in the sense of 'reasonably.' It implies a satisfactory but not outstanding level.
Means 'so-so' or 'not bad.' It can translate to 'quite' in a lukewarm sense, but is weaker than 結構 or なかなか.
味はまあまあだった。
The taste was quite okay.
Express that something is not entirely the case.
The standard way to say 'not quite' or 'not very.' あまり means 'not much' and is used with a negative verb or adjective.
この料理はあまり美味しくない。
This dish is not quite tasty.
彼のことはあまり知らない。
I don't quite know him.
Means 'not that much' or 'not to that extent.' It can be used for 'not quite' when downplaying a degree.
この問題はそれほど難しくない。
This problem isn't quite that difficult.
Literally 'not completely,' used when 'not quite' means 'not entirely.' More explicit than あまり.
彼の説明は完全には理解できなかった。
I didn't quite understand his explanation.
Emphasize that something is remarkable or considerable.
Used before a noun to mean 'quite a ...' It implies that the thing is impressive or notable.
彼はなかなかの料理人だ。
He is quite a cook.
それはなかなかのアイデアだね。
That's quite an idea.
Similar to なかなかの, but can also mean 'considerable' in terms of amount or degree. Slightly more formal.
彼は結構な財産を持っている。
He has quite a fortune.
Both can mean 'quite,' but かなり leans toward 'considerably' (higher degree), while 結構 often implies 'surprisingly' or 'more than expected.' 結構 is more subjective and conversational.
English 'quite' has no single Japanese equivalent. Using とても for every 'quite' can sound unnatural. Pay attention to whether you are intensifying or moderating, and choose the appropriate adverb.
This cake is quite delicious.
彼の言っていることはまったく理解できない。
I quite don't understand what he's saying.
「この計画は失敗だ」「まったく同感だ」
"This plan is a failure." "I quite agree."
That is a quite fascinating story.
このワインはなかなか美味しい。
This wine is quite good.
彼の日本語はなかなか上手だ。
His Japanese is quite good.
試験はそこそこできた。
I did quite well on the exam.