Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
こぞって
こぞって (kozotte)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
悉く
ことごとく (kotogotoku)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between こぞって and 悉く.
In Japanese, こぞって (こぞって (kozotte)) is typically associated with "all together; everyone (without exception)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates that all members of a group did something collectively, often with enthusiasm or unity. It implies 'without exception'..
On the other hand, 悉く (ことごとく (kotogotoku)) maps to "all, entirely, completely, without exception" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Emphasizes that every single item or aspect is included; nothing is left out. Used for a comprehensive and exhaustive inclusion.. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "こぞって"
クラスメートがこぞって彼の誕生日を祝った。
All the classmates celebrated his birthday together.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "クラスメートが ＿＿＿ 彼の誕生日を祝った。" (Meaning: "All the classmates celebrated his birthday together.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "こぞって" fits here because it means "all together; everyone (without exception)" in the context of: "All the classmates celebrated his birthday together.". "悉く" represents "all, entirely, completely, without exception".