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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "All" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

ことごとく

ことごとく (kotogotoku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

一斉に

いっせいに (issei ni)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ことごとく and 一斉に. In Japanese, ことごとく (ことごとく (kotogotoku)) is typically associated with "all, entirely, without exception" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 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.. On the other hand, 一斉に (いっせいに (issei ni)) maps to "all at once; simultaneously; in unison" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to describe an action performed by many people or things at the exact same time. Often conveys a sense of suddenness or uniformity.. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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 "一斉に"
合図と共に、選手たちは一斉にスタートした。
At the signal, the athletes all started at once.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "彼の計画は ___ 失敗に終わった。" (Meaning: "All his plans ended in failure.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "ことごとく" fits here because it means "all, entirely, without exception" in the context of: "All his plans ended in failure.". "一斉に" represents "all at once; simultaneously; in unison".

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