Meaning and Usage
"いたって" is an adverb used to emphasize the degree of a state or condition, meaning "very," "exceedingly," or "extremely." It often appears in formal or written contexts but can also be used in polite conversation to stress how much something is the case.
Common Collocations
- いたって簡単 (exceedingly simple): Used to emphasize simplicity.
- いたって健康 (extremely healthy): Emphasizes a very good health condition.
- いたって重要 (extremely important): Highlights the critical importance of something.
Nuance and Register
The word carries a strong emphasis but is neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is often used to express that something is more than just "a little" or "somewhat," but rather at a high degree.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "いたって" with casual intensifiers like "とても" or "すごく." While similar in meaning, "いたって" tends to be more formal and emphatic, so using it in casual speech may sound overly stiff or unnatural. Use it when you want to sound more serious or formal.