Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
ずっと
ずっと (zutto)
N4 / 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 ずっと and 一斉に.
In Japanese, ずっと (ずっと (zutto)) is typically associated with "all the time, for a long time, much (more/less), continuously" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An adverb used to express continuity.
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 "ずっと"
子供の頃からずっと日本のアニメが好きです。
I've liked Japanese anime ever since I was a child.
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: "子供の頃から ___ 日本のアニメが好きです。" (Meaning: "I've liked Japanese anime ever since I was a child.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ずっと" fits here because it means "all the time, for a long time, much (more/less), continuously" in the context of: "I've liked Japanese anime ever since I was a child.". "一斉に" represents "all at once; simultaneously; in unison".