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
渾身
こんしん (konshin)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ことごとく and 渾身.
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, 渾身 (こんしん (konshin)) maps to "with all one's might, with all one's body/strength" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Used to emphasize putting all one's effort, energy, or strength into an action. Often followed by の. 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 "渾身"
彼は渾身の力を込めてボールを投げた。
He threw the ball with all his might.
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.". "渾身" represents "with all one's might, with all one's body/strength".