Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
ぜひ
ぜひ (zehi)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
一切
いっさい (issai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ぜひ and 一切.
In Japanese, ぜひ (ぜひ (zehi)) is typically associated with "by all means, definitely, without fail" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents An adverb used to express strong desire, request, or recommendation. It often accompanies verbs expressing invitation or desire..
On the other hand, 一切 (いっさい (issai)) maps to "all, everything; absolutely not (with negative)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents When used with a negative verb, it means 'absolutely no' or 'not at all'. When used without a negative, it means 'all' or 'everything'. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "ぜひ"
ぜひ日本に来てください。
Please come to Japan by all means.
Bilingual Context for "一切"
私はその件について一切知りません。
I know absolutely nothing about that matter.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 日本に来てください。" (Meaning: "Please come to Japan by all means.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ぜひ" fits here because it means "by all means, definitely, without fail" in the context of: "Please come to Japan by all means.". "一切" represents "all, everything; absolutely not (with negative)".