Translation and Meaning of: 殆ど - hotondo

The Japanese word 「殆ど」 (hotondo) is frequently used in the language to denote the idea of "almost" or "practically," typically in relation to some condition or quantity. This term is quite versatile and can be applied in different contexts, providing nuances that help express uncertainties or intensify statements. The word is especially useful in everyday conversations to depict situations where something is nearly complete or largely true.

In etymology, 「殆ど」 combines two elements: the kanji 「殆」 (ho), which conveys the idea of "almost" or "near," and 「ど」 (do), which is a grammatical particle often used to create adverbs of frequency or degree. It is interesting to note that the kanji 「殆」 is composed of the water radical 「氵」 and the phoneme 「台」, which originally brought the meaning of "danger" or "risk," perhaps symbolizing how something is on the verge or edge of becoming something more defined. The combination of these elements gives rise to an expression that, over time, has consolidated in modern Japanese to represent the idea of "almost entirely" or "in almost every sense."

The use of 「ほとんど」 (hotondo) can be found in various everyday contexts. It can assist in describing something that is almost complete or to indicate a high degree of closeness between conditions or events. A common example where this term is used is to describe levels of proficiency or achievement, as in "ほとんど完成" (hotondo kansei), which means "almost complete." Furthermore, the term can serve to modify the intensity in statements, such as "ほとんどの人" (hotondo no hito), which means "most people."

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

ほとんど (hotondo) - almost, most of it
大部分 (daibubun) - most part, the most part
ほぼ (hobo) - almost, practically
ほぼ全部 (hobo zenbu) - almost all, practically all
ほぼすべて (hobo subete) - almost everything, practically everything
ほぼ全て (hobo subete) - almost everything, practically everything (synonym of ほぼすべて)
ほとんどの (hotondo no) - almost all, most of the
ほとんどすべての (hotondo subete no) - almost everyone, practically everyone
ほとんど全部の (hotondo zenbu no) - almost all, practically all (equivalent to ほとんどすべての)
ほとんど全ての (hotondo subete no) - almost all, practically all (synonym of ほとんどすべての)