Meaning and Usage
"随分" (ずいぶん) is an adverb used to express a considerable degree or extent, often translated as "quite," "considerably," or "very." It is commonly used in everyday conversation to emphasize how much something has changed or the intensity of a condition.
Common Contexts
It frequently appears with adjectives and verbs to indicate a noticeable difference or degree, such as "随分寒い" (quite cold) or "随分上手になった" (became quite good).
Collocations and Patterns
- 随分 + adjective (e.g., 随分暑い): emphasizes the degree of the adjective.
- 随分 + verb (past tense) (e.g., 随分待った): indicates a considerable amount of the action.
- 随分前から: means "for quite a long time," showing duration.
Register and Nuance
"随分" is neutral and polite enough for daily conversation and informal writing. It is less formal than some other intensifiers but widely accepted.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "随分" with "ずっと" (ずっと means "continuously" or "all along"). Remember that "随分" emphasizes degree or extent, not duration.