Japanese word

なかなか

Pronunciation

Romajinakanaka

Meaning

  • adverbquite

Example

この本はなかなか面白いです。ko no hon wa na ka na ka omo shiro i de su

This book is quite interesting.

Illustration for なかなか (quite)

More examples

この料理はなかなかおいしいです。ko no ryō ri wa na ka na ka o i shi i de su

This dish is quite delicious.

Core concept

It marks a degree that is solidly above ordinary expectations without claiming the highest possible level.

Common phrases

  • なかなかいいna ka na ka i i

    quite good

  • なかなか面白いna ka na ka omo shiro i

    quite interesting

Similar words

かなりkanari: It marks a degree that is substantially above an ordinary level.
ずいぶんzuibun: It marks a noticeably high degree and can show that the degree seems greater than expected.
結構kekkō: It marks a fairly high degree in a casual conversational setting.
とてもtotemo: It marks a very high degree of a quality or state.

Definition in Japanese

程度が普通に考えられるより高く、かなりのものであるさま。tei do ga fu tsū ni kanga e ra re ru yo ri taka ku ka na ri no mo no de a ru sa ma

Word origin

なかなか (nakanaka) is a native Japanese adverb traditionally understood as a repetition of なか (naka, "middle"), which came to express a considerable degree.

Usage tips

  • The phrase なかなか面白いです (nakanaka omoshiroi desu) usually gives positive praise while leaving room for stronger praise, making it useful for measured approval in conversation.

Other meanings

  • fairlyadverb
  • ratheradverb

Word lists with this word