一層

• Reading: いっそう
• Romaji: issou
• Kanji breakdown: 一 (ichi/itsu) — one; 層 (sou) — layer, storey
• Pronunciation: /i.ssoː/

Meaning

Much more; still more; all the more. Emphasises an increase in degree or intensity.

An adverb used to express that something increases beyond its current state. Often appears in comparisons or when describing escalation (雨が一層激しくなった, the rain intensified even more). More formal than もっと and frequently found in written Japanese and speeches.

Examples

1. 秋になって景色が一層美しくなった。 The scenery became even more beautiful in autumn.
2. この経験で彼は一層成長するだろう。 This experience will probably make him grow all the more.
3. 努力すれば一層よい結果が出るはずだ。 If you put in the effort, you should get even better results.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, speeches, essays

Tone: emphatic

Origin & History

Compound of 一 (ichi/issou, one) and 層 (sou, layer/storey). Literally 'one more layer,' conveying the image of adding another level of intensity or degree.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal