かなり

• Reading: かなり
• Romaji: kanari
• Pronunciation: /ka.na.ɾi/

Meaning

Considerably; fairly; quite. Indicates a degree that is more than expected.

An adverb used before adjectives, adverbs, and verbs to indicate a considerable degree. Stronger than まあまあ but weaker than とても. Very versatile and natural in everyday conversation. The kanji form 可也 is rarely seen in modern writing.

Examples

1. 今日の試験はかなり難しかった。 Today's exam was pretty difficult.
2. 彼女は日本語がかなり上手になった。 Her Japanese has gotten quite good.
3. 駅からかなり歩いたので疲れた。 I walked quite a ways from the station, so I'm tired.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, opinions, descriptions

Tone: emphatic

Origin & History

Historically written 可也 (kanari), combining 可 (ka, acceptable) and 也 (nari, to be), suggesting 'acceptably so' or 'to a fair degree.' The word has been used since the medieval period and is now written almost exclusively in hiragana.

Cultural Context

Era: Medieval

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal