N4言葉:「結構」と「かなり」の違い

Hi all,

I am back for another post on the differences between 「結構/けっこう」and 「かなり」.

We went through in class today. Let’s take a look at the meanings in Japanese.

結構/けっこう
1) 予想した以上であるさま。極端ではないが、かなりの程度であるさま
State of more than expected. Not extreme, but state of a considerable level (明鏡国語辞典)

2) ある程度予想していたがそれ以上だったこと。基本的に良い意味で使います
Expected up to a level, but was more than that. Basically used in a good meaning (Meaning-difference.com)

かなり
1) 思いのほか程度が大きいさま。相当 (明鏡国語辞典)
Unexpected state where the extent/degree is big. Considerable.

2) 予想以上に程度が大きいこと。良い意味・悪い意味両方に使います
Matter where extent/degree is more than expected. Can be both used in good and bad meaning. (Meaning-difference.com)

3) Compared to 「結構」, has a strong volition and affirmation (oshiete.ne.jp)

Using 2 sentences, I will try my best to explain the difference.

1) この本は　結構高いです。
(For example, to me, $30 is considered expensive, but actual book price is $50
予想した以上であるさま。極端ではないが、かなりの程度であるさま/State of more than expected. Not extreme, but state of a considerable level)

2) この本は　かなり高いです。
(For example, to me, $30 is considered expensive, but actual book price is $200!
思いのほか程度が大きいさま/ Unexpected state where the extent/degree is big)