When learning the Japanese language, understanding adverbs of degree is essential for expressing the intensity or extent of an action or state. Adverbs of degree are used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate the level or degree of an action or quality. In this guide, we will provide a brief and accurate explanation of Japanese adverbs of degree, along with example sentences to illustrate their usage.
What are Adverbs of Degree?
Adverbs of degree, also known as adverbs of intensity or adverbs of quantity, are words that express the degree, extent, or intensity of an action or quality. These adverbs play a crucial role in adding precision and nuance to sentences. In Japanese, adverbs of degree are often placed before the verb, adjective, or adverb they modify.
Common Adverbs of Degree in Japanese:
There are several commonly used adverbs of degree in Japanese. Here are some examples:
Amari (あまり): This adverb is used to express “not much” or “not very” when describing a low degree or intensity. For example:
Amari benkyō shinai. (あまり勉強しない。) – I don’t study much.
Kono ryōri wa amari oishikunai. (この料理はあまり美味しくない。) – This dish is not very delicious.
Yoku (よく): Yoku means “often” or “frequently” and is used to express a high degree or frequency. For example:
Watashi wa yoku eiga o miru. (私はよく映画を見る。) – I often watch movies.
Kyō wa yoku asa hayaku okimasu. (今日はよく朝早く起きます。) – I often wake up early in the morning today.
Zenzen (全然): Zenzen is used to express a negative degree or absence of something. It is commonly used in negative sentences. For example:
Ano resutoran wa zenzen oishikunai. (あのレストランは全然美味しくない。) – That restaurant is not delicious at all.
Kanojo wa watashi ni zenzen kōun ga nai. (彼女は私に全然好運がない。) – She has no luck with me at all.
Taisetsu ni (大切に): Taisetsu ni means “carefully” or “preciously” and is used to express the importance or significance of an action or object. For example:
Kono shashin wa taisetsu ni tsukatte kudasai. (この写真は大切に使ってください。) – Please handle this photo carefully.
Watashi no yūjin wa taisetsu ni omoi uketotte kureta. (私の友人は大切に思い受けてくれた。) – My friend cherished and accepted my feelings.
Placement of Adverbs of Degree:
In Japanese, adverbs of degree are typically placed directly before the verb, adjective, or adverb they modify. This placement helps convey the intended level of intensity or degree more accurately. However, it’s important to note that the word order in Japanese can be more flexible compared to English. Here are some example sentences to illustrate the placement of adverbs of degree:
Taro wa amari benkyō shinai. (太郎はあまり勉強しない。)
(Taro doesn’t study much.)
Kanojo wa yoku utau. (彼女はよく歌う。)
(She sings often.)
Kono hon wa zenzen omoshirokunai. (この本は全然面白くない。)
(This book is not interesting at all.)
Adverbs of Degree and Negation:
In Japanese, when using adverbs of degree with negation, it is common to place the adverb before the negation word. Here are some examples:
Amari tabemasen. (あまり食べません。)
(I don’t eat much.)
Zenzen shiranai. (全然知らない。)
(I don’t know at all.)
Intensifiers with Adverbs of Degree:
To further emphasize the degree or intensity expressed by adverbs, intensifiers can be used in combination with adverbs of degree. Common intensifiers include “totemo” (とても) meaning “very,” “sugoku” (すごく) meaning “extremely,” and “motto” (もっと) meaning “more.” Here are some examples:
Ano eigakan wa totemo ōkikatta. (あの映画館はとても大きかった。)
(That movie theater was very big.)
Kono ocha wa sugoku nigai. (このお茶はすごく苦い。)
(This tea is extremely bitter.)
Motto yoku ganbarimashō. (もっとよく頑張りましょう。)
(Let’s work harder.)
In conclusion, adverbs of degree are important components of the Japanese language as they allow us to express the intensity, frequency, or extent of actions or qualities. By incorporating these adverbs into your vocabulary, you can add depth and precision to your Japanese sentences. Remember to pay attention to their placement and consider using intensifiers for stronger emphasis. Practice using adverbs of degree in different contexts to enhance your language skills and fluency
Originally posted 2023-07-14 21:24:20.