Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "ことごとく (kotogotoku)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
ことごとく
ことごとく (kotogotoku)
N3 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
悉く
ことごとく (kotogotoku)
N1 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "ことごとく (kotogotoku)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- ことごとく (Level: N3): Translates to "all, entirely, without exception" and is used when An adverb meaning 'completely' or 'everything without exception'. It implies that nothing was left out. Can be used for positive or negative outcomes, often used in more formal or literary contexts..
- 悉く (Level: N1): Maps to "all, entirely, completely, without exception" and carries the nuance of Emphasizes that every single item or aspect is included; nothing is left out. Used for a comprehensive and exhaustive inclusion..
Bilingual Context for "ことごとく"
彼の計画はことごとく失敗に終わった。
All his plans ended in failure.
Bilingual Context for "悉く"
彼の提案は、悉く却下された。
All of his proposals were rejected without exception.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "彼の計画は ＿＿＿ 失敗に終わった。" (Meaning: "All his plans ended in failure.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "ことごとく" is used for "all, entirely, without exception" in the context: "All his plans ended in failure.".