Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
かなり Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N4 Freq. Frequency Top 500 Meanings 1
adverb, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective
considerably ; fairly ; quite ; rather ; pretty
usually written using kana alone
Expresses a degree that is more than expected or more than a little; often used when the speaker feels the extent is notable. Can modify adjectives, verbs, and nouns with な/の.
He is a considerably hard worker.
Written forms かなり Usage 99%
Standard modern spelling; the word is usually written in kana.
カナリ Usage <1%
可か なり Usage <1%
search-only kanji form
Search-only kanji form; not a practical modern spelling.
可か 成なり Usage <1%
search-only kanji form
Search-only kanji form; not a practical modern spelling.
可か 也なり
rarely-used kanji form
Rare kanji form; not commonly used in modern writing.
可か 成な り
rarely-used kanji form
Rare kanji form; not commonly used in modern writing.
Similar words 結けっ 構こう 結構 can also mean 'quite' or 'fairly', but it often carries a nuance of 'surprisingly' or 'more than enough', and can also mean 'fine' or 'no thank you' in different contexts. かなり is a more straightforward intensifier without those extra nuances.
随ずい 分ぶん 随分 also means 'considerably' or 'very', but it often implies a stronger subjective impression or a longer duration, and can sound more emotive than かなり.
Etymology Derived from the classical Japanese adjective かなり (kanari), meaning 'appropriate' or 'suitable'. The adverbial use developed from the sense of something being 'to a suitable extent', which then shifted to mean 'to a considerable extent'.
