Translation guide
The English phrase "very much" is used to intensify verbs, adjectives, and expressions of liking, wanting, or emotion. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, various adverbs and expressions are used depending on the context and the word being modified.
To express that an action is done to a great extent or degree.
A common and versatile adverb meaning 'very' or 'really'. It can modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. While it can often translate 'very much', it is more directly 'very'. Use it before the word it modifies.
彼はとても喜んだ。
He was very much pleased.
それはとても助かります。
That helps very much.
A more formal and emphatic adverb meaning 'extremely' or 'very'. Suitable for written language or formal speech. It can intensify verbs and adjectives.
Means 'greatly' or 'very much'. Often used with verbs like 喜ぶ (be pleased), 助かる (be helped), or 期待する (expect). Slightly formal.
To express strong liking or affection.
To express a strong desire for something or to do something.
Use とても (very) before 欲しい (want) to express 'want very much'. For objects, use ～が欲しい.
新しい車がとても欲しい。
I want a new car very much.
To express deep gratitude.
The standard polite way to say 'thank you very much'. どうも adds emphasis. In casual situations, どうもありがとう is used.
ご親切にどうもありがとうございます。
Thank you very much for your kindness.
To express that you enjoyed or appreciated something greatly.
Use とても (very) before the verb 楽しむ (enjoy) to say 'enjoyed very much'.
パーティーをとても楽しんだ。
I enjoyed the party very much.
To express that something is not done or felt to a great degree.
The standard way to say 'not very much' or 'not very'. あまり is used with a negative verb or adjective. For example, あまり好きじゃない (don't like very much).
あまり食べません。
I don't eat very much.
この本はあまり面白くない。
This book isn't very interesting.
Do not directly translate 'very much' as a single word. Japanese uses different adverbs and expressions depending on the verb or adjective. For example, 'I like it very much' is not 'とても多く好き' but '大好きです' or 'とても好きです'.
とても is the most common and neutral intensifier. 大いに is often used with verbs of emotion or benefit (e.g., 喜ぶ, 助かる). 非常に is formal and emphatic, suitable for writing or speeches.
この問題は非常に重要だ。
This problem is very much important.
大いに楽しんだ。
I enjoyed it very much.
The most natural way to say 'like very much' or 'love' for things, activities, or people. It is a na-adjective meaning 'very likable' or 'favorite'. Use ～が大好きです.
猫が大好きです。
I like cats very much.
彼女は歌うことが大好きだ。
She likes singing very much.
Literally 'like very much'. It is grammatically correct but less common than 大好き for strong liking. Use when you want to emphasize the degree with とても.
この映画がとても好きです。
I like this movie very much.
A more emphatic way to say 'want to do very much'. Literally 'strongly think that I want to do'. Use after the masu-stem of a verb.
日本に行きたいと強く思っています。
I want to go to Japan very much.
Means 'truly thank you very much'. 本当に (really) intensifies the gratitude. Slightly more emotional.
本当にありがとうございます。
Thank you very much indeed.
A formal way to say 'appreciate very much'. 大変 means 'very' or 'greatly', and 感謝する is 'to appreciate'.
ご支援に大変感謝しています。
I appreciate your support very much.
Means 'not so much' or 'not that much'. Slightly more emphatic than あまり. Often used in comparisons or to downplay something.
それほど好きじゃない。
I don't like it very much.