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
悉く
ことごとく (kotogotoku)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ぜひ and 悉く.
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, 悉く (ことごとく (kotogotoku)) maps to "all, entirely, completely, without exception" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Emphasizes that every single item or aspect is included; nothing is left out. Used for a comprehensive and exhaustive inclusion.. 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 "悉く"
彼の提案は、悉く却下された。
All of his proposals were rejected without exception.
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.". "悉く" represents "all, entirely, completely, without exception".