すごく
すごく
sugoku
= very; extremely; incredibly; awesomely
すごく (sugoku) is the adverb form of すごい (sugoi — amazing, incredible), and it functions as one of the most common intensifiers in everyday Japanese: very, extremely, incredibly. From すごく好き (sugoku suki — I really like it) to すごく疲れた (sugoku tsukareta — I’m incredibly tired), sugoku amplifies whatever adjective or verb it modifies — making it essential for expressive everyday speech.
Sugoku (すごく) is the adverbial form of the i-adjective すごい (sugoi — amazing, incredible, great). As an intensifier, it precedes adjectives and verbs: すごく大きい (sugoku ookii — very big), すごく上手 (sugoku jouzu — extremely skilled), すごく面白かった (sugoku omoshirokatta — it was incredibly interesting). Casual equivalents in increasing strength: 結構 (kekkou — quite), すごく (sugoku — very/extremely), めちゃくちゃ (mechakucha — ridiculously/insanely), ものすごく (monosugoku — tremendously). Formal equivalent: 非常に (hijou ni — extremely, formal/written).
すごく vs. とても: Both mean ‘very,’ but とても (totemo) is slightly more neutral and appropriate in formal/written contexts. すごく is more colloquial and emotionally warm — it carries the underlying sense of すごい (amazing). In casual speech, すごく is extremely common. In formal writing (reports, business email), とても or 非常に (hijou ni) are preferred. Among young speakers, めちゃ (mecha) or めちゃくちゃ (mechakucha) often replace すごく as the strongest everyday intensifier.
すごく is the adverb form of すごい, written in hiragana. The i-adjective すごい can be written as 凄い — the kanji 凄 (sei/sugoi) carries connotations of eerie, uncanny, or ghastly intensity. Originally すごい described something hauntingly powerful or overwhelming. This root meaning of extreme intensity survives in its modern use as an intensifier — something so good or so surprising it’s almost unsettling.
Everyday use
今日のライブ、すごく良かった！また行きたい。
Kyou no raibu, sugoku yokatta! Mata ikitai.
Today’s live show was really great! I want to go again.
Casual / Social Media
この映画すごく泣ける。ラストシーン何回見ても無理
Kono eiga sugoku nakeru. Rasuto shiin nankai mite mo muri
This movie makes me cry so hard. I can’t handle the last scene no matter how many times I watch it
Formal / Cultural context
「すごく」は「すごい」の連用形（副詞形）として機能し、形容詞・形容動詞・動詞を修飾することで話者の強い感情的評価を文に付加する強調副詞であり、会話体では「とても」に比べて感情的温度が高く、親密さや共感の表出にも寄与する。
‘Sugoku’ wa ‘sugoi’ no ren’youkei (fukushikei) toshite kinoushi, keiyoushi keiyoudoushi doushi wo shuushoku suru koto de hanashite no tsuyoi kanjouteki hyouka wo bun ni kaka suru kyouchou fukushi de ari, kaiwa-tai de wa ‘totemo’ ni kurabete kanjouteki ondo ga takaku, shinnitsusa ya kyoukan no hyoushutsu ni mo kiyo suru.
‘Sugoku’ functions as the continuative form (adverbial form) of ‘sugoi,’ modifying adjectives, adjectival nouns, and verbs to add the speaker’s strong emotional evaluation to sentences — as an intensifying adverb with higher emotional warmth than ‘totemo’ in conversational usage, also contributing to the expression of intimacy and empathy.
すごい and its adverb form すごく are central to Japanese praise culture. Saying something is すごい is one of the most versatile compliments in the language — applied to skills, achievements, food, weather, and prices alike. Japanese TV variety shows, particularly talent/audition formats, are filled with 「すごい！すごい！」(sugoi! sugoi!) as judges and audience members react to performances. This enthusiasm is authentic to the genre — Japanese TV culture values visible emotional reaction as proof of engagement.
The frequency of すごく in Japanese speech reflects the language’s intensifier culture more broadly. Where English might use ‘very,’ Japanese speakers often reach for すごく, めちゃくちゃ (mechakucha), or the ultra-casual やばい (yabai) — which has expanded from its original meaning of ‘dangerous/bad’ to become the dominant intensifier among younger Japanese speakers (meaning ‘incredibly good’ or ‘insanely great’). すごく occupies the middle ground: more expressive than とても, less hyperbolic than やばい, and accessible across all age groups.
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