Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
ぜんいん
ぜんいん (zen'in)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
悉皆
しっかい (shikkai)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ぜんいん and 悉皆.
In Japanese, ぜんいん (ぜんいん (zen'in)) is typically associated with "all members, everyone" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Emphasizes that every single person in a group or specific context is included. 「全員参加」.
On the other hand, 悉皆 (しっかい (shikkai)) maps to "all, everything, entirely, without exception" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents A formal and somewhat archaic word meaning 'all' or 'everything without exception'. Less common in daily conversation than 全て. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "ぜんいん"
会議室に全員集まってください。
Please gather everyone in the meeting room.
Bilingual Context for "悉皆"
準備は悉皆整ったので、あとは本番を待つだけだ。
All preparations are complete, so all that's left is to wait for the main event.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議室に全員集まってください。" (Meaning: "Please gather everyone in the meeting room.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ぜんいん" fits here because it means "all members, everyone" in the context of: "Please gather everyone in the meeting room.". "悉皆" represents "all, everything, entirely, without exception".