Translation and Meaning of: 可成 - kanari

The Japanese word 可成[かなり] is a term that arouses curiosity both for its kanji writing and for its frequent use in daily life. If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in the language, you may have come across this expression, which carries interesting nuances. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical applications, as well as understand how it is perceived by native speakers.

Whether you're looking for accurate translations or want to improve your vocabulary, understanding 可成[かなり] can be an important step. After all, it appears in informal conversations, texts, and even in animes. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to simplify Japanese, so let's get straight to the point without any fuss. Ready to discover more?

Meaning and translation of 可成[かなり]

In simple terms, 可成[かなり] is an adverb that means "quite," "considerably," or "very." It is used to emphasize the degree of something, whether it be a quantity, intensity, or quality. For example, if someone says "かなり暑いですね" (kanari atsui desu ne), they are stating that it is "quite hot," not just a little.

It is worth noting that, although it can be translated as "very", 可成[かなり] is not as extreme as とても (totemo) or 非常に (hijō ni). It occupies a middle ground, indicating something significant, but not exaggerated. This nuance is important to avoid misunderstandings when using the word in real contexts.

Origin and writing in kanji

The most common way to write かなり is in hiragana, but its kanji version, 可成, also exists, although it is less frequently used in daily life. The characters 可 (ka) and 成 (nari) together suggest an idea of "something that can become" or "that can be considered," which reinforces its meaning of moderate intensity.

It's interesting to note that, despite having kanji, many Japanese people prefer to use only hiragana, perhaps due to its simplicity. This phenomenon is not uncommon in modern Japanese, where terms originally written in kanji end up being simplified over time. If you are learning, don't worry about memorizing kanji—prioritize recognition and practical use.

Everyday use and memorization tips

An effective way to fix 可成[かなり] is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, imagine someone praising a dish: "この料理はかなりおいしい！" (kono ryōri wa kanari oishii!). Here, the word emphasizes that the food is "really delicious," but without exaggeration. Notice how it balances the statement.

Another tip is to pay attention to dialogues in doramas or animes, where かなり appears frequently to express surprise or emphasis. Hearing the word in real contexts helps internalize its tone and usage. And if you use apps like Anki, creating your own sentences with the word can speed up learning.

Differences between 可成[かなり] and similar terms

A common question is how 可成[かなり] compares to other adverbs of intensity, such as 結構 (kekkō) or 相当 (sōtō). While 結構 can have a more casual and even modest tone (sometimes meaning "sufficient"), 可成[かなり] is more neutral and objective. On the other hand, 相当 tends to be more formal and intense, almost like "extremely."

These nuances are subtle, but they make a difference in communication. If you say "かなり難しい" (kanari muzukashii) about a test, you are suggesting that it was "quite difficult" but not impossible. Replace it with 相当 and the impression will be that it was "exceptionally difficult." Mastering these details takes time, but it's worth it.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

かせい (kasei) - Volcano
かなり (kanari) - Considerably, quite (expresses a high or significant degree in relation to something)
なるほど (naruhodo) - I understand, it makes sense (expresses understanding or perception).