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
諸行無常
しょぎょうむじょう (shogyoumujou)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ぜんいん and 諸行無常.
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, 諸行無常 (しょぎょうむじょう (shogyoumujou)) maps to "All is transient / Impermanence" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "諸行無常"
私は諸行無常に興味があります。
I am interested in All is transient / Impermanence.
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.". "諸行無常" represents "All is transient / Impermanence".