What does it mean word for word?
The phrase とても疲れた is composed of totemo (very) and tsukareta (the past tense of to get tired).
Which one should you use?
While とても疲れた uses the adverb totemo for "very", using sugoku instead, as in すごく疲れた, makes the expression more colloquial and emphasizes the intensity of the exhaustion.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form tsukareta is the plain form and is commonly used among friends or peers. For a polite version suitable for use with strangers or superiors, add mashita to the end of the verb to say とても疲れました. To emphasize that you are exhausted to the point of completion, you can use the form 疲れてしまいました.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form tsukareta is the past tense of the verb tsukareru, which is used in Japanese to describe a current state of being tired.
How do you pronounce it?
totemo tsukareta
Did you know?
- The phrase tsukareta can also be used as a way to say 'goodbye' or 'I am leaving' in certain work contexts. It functions as a signal to colleagues that you have finished your work for the day and are heading home.
- Japanese has a specific term karada ga omoi meaning 'the body is heavy' to describe the physical sensation of being 'so tired' that movement feels difficult.
- While totemo means 'very', in extremely casual speech, speakers might replace it with mecha or mechakucha to say they are 'insanely' tired.
Examples in context
- 今日は忙しかったので、とても疲れています。I've been very tired today because I was busy.
- 長い旅行でたくさん歩いたので、私は疲れました。I got tired because I walked a lot on a long trip.
- 昨日の仕事は本当に大変で、帰った後疲れてしまいました。Yesterday's work was really tough, and I was completely exhausted after I came back.
- ゲームをして寝不足で、ちょっと疲れた。I played games and didn't get enough sleep, so I'm a bit tired.
- 今日は試験勉強がめんどくさくて、疲れた。I got tired today because studying for the exam was really bothersome.
- 昨日のパーティはとても楽しかったけれど、終わった後はすごく疲れた。Yesterday's party was really fun, but I was extremely tired after it ended.
- コンサートで歌いすぎて、とても疲れました。I got really tired from singing too much at the concert.
- とても疲れた。Totemo tsukareta.I am so tired.
- 今日は仕事でとても疲れた。Kyou wa shigoto de totemo tsukareta.I am so tired from work today.
- やっと終わった。とても疲れたよ。Yatto owatta. Totemo tsukareta yo.It's finally finished. I'm so tired.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are arriving home after a long day of hiking.
- 陽太 Yotaあー、とても疲れた！Aa, totemo tsukareta!Ah, I'm so tired!
- 結衣 Yui本当だね。足が痛いよ。Hontou da ne. Ashi ga itai yo.You're right. My legs hurt.
- 陽太 Yotaゆっくりお風呂に入ろう。Yukkuri ofuro ni hairou.Let's take a relaxing bath.
- 結衣 Yui賛成。それが一番いいね。Sansei. Sore ga ichiban ii ne.I agree. That would be the best.
