Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
あらゆる
あらゆる (arayuru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
ぜんいん
ぜんいん (zen'in)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between あらゆる and ぜんいん.
In Japanese, あらゆる (あらゆる (arayuru)) is typically associated with "all; every possible" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to emphasize "all" or "every kind of" without exception. Often precedes a noun. 常に名詞の前に来て「すべての」「考えうる限りの」という意味を強調します。.
On the other hand, ぜんいん (ぜんいん (zen'in)) maps to "all members, everyone" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Emphasizes that every single person in a group or specific context is included. 「全員参加」. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "あらゆる"
彼はあらゆる努力をして、目標を達成した。
He achieved his goal by making every possible effort.
Bilingual Context for "ぜんいん"
会議室に全員集まってください。
Please gather everyone in the meeting room.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ 努力をして、目標を達成した。" (Meaning: "He achieved his goal by making every possible effort.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あらゆる" fits here because it means "all; every possible" in the context of: "He achieved his goal by making every possible effort.". "ぜんいん" represents "all members, everyone".