Usage and Nuance
それほど is used to indicate a degree or extent, often translated as "to that degree" or "that much." It is commonly used in negative or comparative sentences to downplay or limit the extent of something. For example, "それほど忙しくない" means "not that busy."
Common Collocations
- それほど〜ない: used to express "not that much" or "not to that extent."
- それほどでもない: a modest expression meaning "not really that much" often used to downplay compliments.
- それほどに: emphasizes the degree, often in literary or formal contexts.
Register and Usage Tips
それほど is neutral and can be used in both casual and polite contexts. It often appears in spoken Japanese to moderate statements or express a mild degree of something.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse それほど with そんなに, which also means "that much." The difference is subtle: それほど often appears in negative or less emphatic contexts, while そんなに can be used more broadly, including positive statements.