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
百般
ひゃっぱん (hyappan)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ずっと and 百般.
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, 百般 (ひゃっぱん (hyappan)) maps to "all kinds; various things; all sorts" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used in the phrase 「百般のことにわたる」. 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 "百般"
彼は百般の知識を持つ、非常に博識な人物だ。
He is a very knowledgeable person, possessing all kinds of knowledge.
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.". "百般" represents "all kinds; various things; all sorts".