Japanese word

非常に

Pronunciation

Romajihijōni

Meaning

  • adverbvery

Example

今日は非常に暑いです。kyō wa hi jō ni atsu i de su

It is very hot today.

Illustration for 非常に (very)

More examples

この薬は非常によく効きます。ko no kusuri wa hi jō ni yo ku ki ki ma su

This medicine works very well.

Core concept

Marks a degree far above the ordinary level, strengthening descriptions of qualities or conditions.

Common phrases

  • 非常に暑いhi jō ni atsu i

    very hot

  • 非常に大切なことhi jō ni tai setsu na ko to

    something very important

Similar words

とてもtotemo: A widely used adverb that expresses a strong degree of a quality or condition.
すごくsugoku: An informal adverb that expresses an especially strong degree.
大変taihen: A formal-sounding adverb that expresses an exceptionally high degree.

Definition in Japanese

物事の程度が普通よりも大幅に高いことを表す語。mono goto no tei do ga fu tsū yo ri mo ō haba ni taka i ko to o arawa su go

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 非常に (hijōni) contains 非 (hi, "not") and 常 (jō, "usual"); their combination means "extraordinary," and に (ni, "adverbial marker") gives it adverbial use.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 非常に (hijōni) is a more formal alternative to とても (totemo), so it appears often in careful or written speech.

Word lists with this word