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
有象無象
うぞうむぞう (uzōmuzō)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ことごとく and 有象無象.
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, 有象無象 (うぞうむぞう (uzōmuzō)) maps to "all sorts of people (often derogatory); rabble; riff-raff; miscellaneous things." (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used to refer to a large, undifferentiated group of people, implying they are ordinary, insignificant, or of little value. It can carry a derogatory connotation, suggesting a lack of quality or distinction.. 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 "有象無象"
祭りの会場には、有象無象の観光客が集まっていた。
All sorts of tourists gathered at the festival venue.
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.". "有象無象" represents "all sorts of people (often derogatory); rabble; riff-raff; miscellaneous things.".