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
悉皆
しっかい (shikkai)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between こぞって and 悉皆.
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, 悉皆 (しっかい (shikkai)) maps to "all, everything, entirely, without exception" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents A formal and somewhat archaic word meaning 'all' or 'everything without exception'. Less common in daily conversation than 全て. 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 "悉皆"
準備は悉皆整ったので、あとは本番を待つだけだ。
All preparations are complete, so all that's left is to wait for the main event.
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.". "悉皆" represents "all, everything, entirely, without exception".