結構
Quite, A lot, Fairly, Rather
Structure
Set Expressions:
けっこうだ
Explanation
結構, while technically a な-Adjective, is much more commonly encountered as an adverb that modifies the entire sentence that follows it. In this usage, it appears at the start of a clause without being followed by な or だ. The most frequent translation for 結構 is 'quite' or 'pretty'.
- 結構食べたね。We ate quite a bit, didn't we?
- 結構難しいですよ。It's quite difficult, you know.
Fun Fact
In conversational Japanese, 結構 is frequently used to politely decline an offer, much like saying 'No, thank you' or 'I'm all set' in English. For instance, if a clerk asks if you need something, a common response is simply 結構です.
- 箱は結構です。I don't need a box, thank you. (I'm fine without one)
Examples
お代わりはけっこうです。
No more for me, thanks. (Regarding a refill)
この映画はけっこう長いです。
This movie is quite long.
この試験はけっこう難しいですね。
This exam is quite difficult, isn't it.
僕はもうけっこうです。
I've had enough, thank you.
駅からけっこう遠いです。
It's quite a long way from the station.
彼女の部屋はけっこうきれいですよ。
Her room is quite clean, you know.
バスをけっこう待った。
I waited for the bus for quite a while.
彼はお酒をけっこう飲むでしょう。
He drinks quite a lot of alcohol, doesn't he?
その荷物はけっこう重いだろう。
That luggage is probably quite heavy.
昨日のパーティーはけっこう楽しかった。
The party yesterday was pretty fun.
夜も遅いし、けっこう眠い。
It's getting late, so I'm pretty sleepy.
彼女はけっこうゆっくり話す。
She speaks quite slowly.