How to express the extent of something in Japanese

How to express the extent of something in Japanese

Extent in Japanese
とても、すごく、ちょっと、すこし、あまり、ぜんぜん

Below is what each word means and how it is typically used:

1. とても (totemo) – “very”

Used to express a high degree of something.

Usage: With adjectives or verbs

Examples:
とても すごいです。
It’s very amazing.

このケーキは とても おいしい。
This cake is very delicious.

2. すごく (sugoku) – “extremely / really”

A more casual and stronger version of とても.
Shows strong intensity.

Examples:
すごく かわいい！
It’s really cute!

今日は すごく さむい。
It’s extremely cold today.

3. ちょっと (chotto) – “a little / a bit”

Means a small degree, but can also mean “a little difficult” or “no” indirectly.
Very commonly used.

Examples:
ちょっと つかれた。
I’m a little tired.

それは ちょっと…
That’s a bit… (used to refuse politely).

4. すこし (sukoshi) – “a little / a few”

Similar to ちょっと but slightly more formal.

Examples:
すこし あります。
There is a little.

すこし わかります。
I understand a little.

5. あまり (amari) + negative — “not very”

This word must be used with a negative verb or adjective.
Shows a low degree.

Examples:
あまり すきじゃない。
I don’t like it very much.

あまり たべません。
I don’t eat much.

6. ぜんぜん (zenzen) + negative — “not at all”

Also requires a negative form.
Indicates zero degree.

Examples:
ぜんぜん わかりません。
I don’t understand at all.

ぜんぜん だめ。
Not good at all.

Summary Table

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