Meaning

Primary

Serious

Alternatives

Terrible, Very, Difficult, Hard, Hectic

Word Type

adverb, な adjective

Explanation

A big change is a really serious thing. And people don't like change, either, making it a terrible event.

Also, in more recent history this has come to mean very as well.

Reading

たいへん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 中々大変

    rather difficult, rather serious

    とても大変

    very difficult, very serious

    かなり大変

    considerably difficult, considerably serious

Context Sentences

えー、めっちゃ大変だったんだね!

Oh, it was really tough, huh?

皆様には、大変心配をおかけいたしました。

I apologize for causing you all so much concern.

日本語をマスターするのは大変ですが、がんばってくださいね。

Mastering Japanese is difficult, but do your best!

Kanji Composition