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
思いきり
おもいきり (omoikiri)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ことごとく and 思いきり.
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, 思いきり (おもいきり (omoikiri)) maps to "with all one's might; to one's heart's content; resolutely; boldly" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 強調したい行動や感情に対して使われる副詞です。「存分に」「思い切って」といったニュアンスがあります。It's an adverb used to emphasize an action or feeling, conveying the nuance of 'to one's heart's content' or 'boldly/resolutely'.. 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 "思いきり"
久しぶりの旅行なので、思いきり楽しみたい。
Since it's a long-awaited trip, I want to enjoy myself to the fullest.
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.". "思いきり" represents "with all one's might; to one's heart's content; resolutely; boldly".