ittai

Ittai is a Japanese term that can be translated to "completely," "entirely," or "utterly." It is used to express a high degree of totality or finality. For example, one might say "ittai tasukete kudasai" which translates to "please help me completely," indicating a desperate need for assistance. The word can also be used to express strong emotion or emphasis in a question, such as "ittai nan desu ka?" meaning "What on earth is it?" or "What is it exactly?" In this context, it conveys surprise, confusion, or exasperation.

The nuance of "ittai" often depends on the surrounding words and the intonation of the speaker. It is a versatile adverb that adds a strong sense of completeness or emphasis to a statement or question. Its usage is common in everyday conversation and can significantly impact the perceived intensity of what is being communicated. Understanding "ittai" is helpful for comprehending the full emotional weight and meaning conveyed in Japanese.