とても（とても、totemo）
- very

The Japanese word とても means "very," "extremely," or "really." It functions as an adverb, intensifying the adjective or adverb it modifies. It indicates a high degree or extent of something. とても doesn't have a direct equivalent in English; its meaning is captured by words expressing intensity.

⚫︎このケーキはとてもおいしいです。 Translation: This cake is very delicious. ⚫︎彼はとても速く走ります。 Translation: He runs very fast. ⚫︎あの映画はとても面白かったです。 Translation: That movie was really interesting.

You use とても to emphasize the degree to which an adjective or adverb applies. Place it directly before the adjective or adverb. It is a common and versatile word in everyday conversation and writing.

とても is typically written in hiragana. There is no kanji form. It is always written as とても.

⚫︎非常に (ひじょうに) - extremely, very (more formal) ⚫︎すごく - very, really (casual) ⚫︎大変 (たいへん) - very, greatly (can also mean "difficult" depending on context) ⚫︎すごく is the most casual and frequently used synonym.

There aren't direct antonyms for とても, but you could use words that express the opposite degree of intensity, such as: ⚫︎あまり - not very (used with negative verb forms) ⚫︎少し (すこし) - a little, slightly

この本はとてもためになります。 ・Translation: This book is very helpful. ・Explanation: This sentence uses とても to intensify the adjective ためになる (helpful).

私はとても疲れています。 ・Translation: I am very tired. ・Explanation: The word とても emphasizes the degree of tiredness.

The etymology of とても is not definitively known, but it's believed to be a combination of two elements. The "と" is a particle, and "ても" is a particle representing emphasis or degree. This combination evolved to its current usage as an intensifier.