かなり
kanari[ka̠na̠ɾʲi]
The English phrase 'quite' can be translated into Japanese using かなり (kanari) or 結構.
Meaning: to a moderate extent (adv)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| かなり | kanari | [ka̠na̠ɾʲi] (narrow) |
| 結構 | kekkō | [ke̞k̚ko̞ː] (narrow) |
These terms are used to indicate that something exists to a moderate or significant extent.
Which one should you use?
かなり is used to express a degree that is higher than expected or a significant amount, often indicating a substantial degree. In contrast, 結構 often carries a nuance of 'sufficiently' or 'more than enough' and tends to sound more subjective or evaluative than かなり.
How does it change in a sentence?
かなり can function as both an adverb and an adjective. It can modify adjectives (e.g., 'quite high') and can also modify nouns to indicate a considerable amount.
How do you pronounce it?
kanari
Did you know?
- While 結構 can mean 'quite', it is most commonly used in daily life to politely refuse an offer, meaning 'no thank you' or 'I am fine'.
- The word 結構 originally referred to the physical construction or building of a structure, coming from a term meaning 'to put together'.
- If you use 結構 to describe someone's beauty or a piece of art, it can mean 'splendid' or 'perfect' rather than just 'quite'.
Examples in context
- 結構面白い。It's quite interesting.This example shows how to use 結構 to say something is quite interesting.Tatoeba #175785 by small_snow, translation #12748436 by CK
- かなりの変人だ。He is quite an odd man.This example uses かなり to describe someone as quite an odd man.Tatoeba #226278 by arnab, translation #63618 by CK
- かなりゾクゾクした。It was quite thrilling.This example demonstrates the use of かなり to describe a thrilling experience.Tatoeba #8588350 by bunbuku, translation #3733811 by CK
- 彼の提案は結構興味深いです。His proposal is quite interesting.
- 彼女の才能はかなり素晴らしいです。Her talent is quite remarkable.
- 彼の経験は相当豊富です。His experience is quite substantial.
- このアイスクリーム、けっこう美味しいよ。This ice cream is quite delicious.
- その映画、結構おもしろかった。That movie was quite interesting.
- あのイベント、めちゃくちゃ盛り上がっていたよ。That event was really lively.
- 69 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing the difficulty of a recent exam.
- 陽葵 Himari今日のテスト、かなり難しかったね。Kyou no tesuto, kanari muzukashikatta ne.Today's test was quite difficult, wasn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、かなり手強かったよ。Un, kanari tegowakatta yo.Yeah, it was quite tough.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太君は、全部答えられた？Hinata-kun wa, zenbu kotaerareta?Hinata, were you able to answer everything?
- 陽太 Yotaいや、かなり苦戦したよ。Iya, kanari kusen shita yo.No, I struggled quite a bit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “quite” translations and entries かなり, 結構, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries かなり, 結構, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
