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
全部
ぜんぶ (zenbu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ずっと and 全部.
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, 全部 (ぜんぶ (zenbu)) maps to "all; whole; entirely" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used to mean 'all' or 'everything'. Can modify nouns or act as an adverb meaning 'completely'. For people, 皆. 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 "全部"
このケーキを全部食べました。
I ate this whole cake.
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.". "全部" represents "all; whole; entirely".