Word
一層
Meaning in Englisheven more, still more
Animated kanji stroke order
Sentence
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Word context
What it means
A degree adverb; signals an increase in intensity or extent and is used before adjectives or verbs to intensify meaning.
Main meanings
- Adverb of degree expressing that something is much more or to a greater extent.
- Intensifier placed before adjectives or verbs to amplify meaning.
- Common in formal writing and in speech to convey a heightened sense of progression.
How to use it
Used as an adverb before adjectives or verbs to express increased degree; common in both written and spoken Japanese, especially in formal contexts. Examples of use: 一層難しくなる、一層努力する、一層美しく見える
Variants and close terms
- さらに (sarani) – further, more
- もっと (motto) – more
- 一段と (ichidan to) – much more
- いっそう (issou) – alternative reading with the same meaning
Composition
- 一: the numeral one; denotes a single unit.
- 層: layer, tier; conveys a level in a stacked order.
- Combination: the sense of adding a layer leads to higher degree or extent, hence the meaning of more.
Etymology
Composite origin A two-kanji compound of 一 and 層, forming an adverbial sense. The pronunciation issō arises from combining the on-yomi part of 層 (sō) with a contracted form of 一 in fast speech.
Word class
adverb (副詞)
Word
Related words by kanji and components
N3
一方
ippou
on the other hand, meanwhile, one side
N3
万一
manichi
if by any chance, emergency case
N3
唯一
yuiitsu
only, sole, unique
N3
一帯
ittai
whole area, entire region
N4
一度
ichido
once, one time
N4
一杯
ippai
full, one cup, a lot
N4
一生懸命
isshoukenmei
with utmost effort, very hard, earnestly
N5
一緒に
issho ni
together
N5
一時間
ichijikan
one hour
Kanji