1.
very, greatly, extremely
To a high degree; used to emphasize the extent of something.
大層お世話になりました。
Thank you very much for your help.
大層立派な建物だ。
It's a very magnificent building.
大層なことを言う。
You say exaggerated things.
大層 means 'very' or 'greatly,' with a formal, slightly old-fashioned tone. It can also imply exaggeration.
USAGE:
- As adverb: 大層立派だ (very impressive)
- As na-adjective: 大層なことを言う (say exaggerated things)
- Polite expression: 大層お世話になりました (received great help)
NUANCE:
When modifying nouns (大層な〜), it often carries a nuance of 'exaggerated' or 'overblown,' sometimes with mild sarcasm: 大層な話だ (what a grand story / that's a big claim).
HOMOPHONE:
Not to be confused with 体操 (gymnastics, physical exercise) — same reading, different kanji and meaning.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- とても: very (neutral, common)
- 非常に: extremely (formal)
- 大変: very, greatly (more common in everyday speech)
- 大層 sounds more literary or old-fashioned than these alternatives