Japanese word

大変

Pronunciation

Romajitaihen

Meaning

  • adverbvery

Example

今日は大変暑いです。kyō wa tai hen atsu i de su

It is very hot today.

Illustration for 大変 (very)

More examples

この道具は大変役に立ちます。ko no dō gu wa tai hen yaku ni ta chi ma su

This tool is very useful.

Core concept

It marks a degree as far above the usual level, giving the meaning of "very".

Common phrases

  • 大変忙しいtai hen isoga shi i

    very busy

  • 大変人気があるtai hen nin ki ga a ru

    very popular

  • 大変助かるtai hen tasu ka ru

    be very helpful

Similar words

とてもtotemo: It raises the degree of an adjective or state to a very high level.
すごくsugoku: It expresses a very high degree in a relaxed spoken style.

Definition in Japanese

程度がはなはだしいさま。tei do ga ha na ha da shi i sa ma

Word origin

大変 (taihen, "great change") is formed from 大 (tai, "great") and 変 (hen, "change"); the word can describe an extreme or serious state and is also used adverbially to mean "very".

Usage tips

  • The same word 大変 (taihen) also describes something difficult or serious, so its position in a sentence helps distinguish this meaning from "very".

Word lists with this word