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
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 ぜひ and 百般.
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, 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 "ぜひ"
ぜひ日本に来てください。
Please come to Japan by all means.
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: " ＿＿＿ 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.". "百般" represents "all kinds; various things; all sorts".