Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
そっくり
そっくり (sokkuri)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
一同
いちどう (ichidou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between そっくり and 一同.
In Japanese, そっくり (そっくり (sokkuri)) is typically associated with "all; altogether; entirely; just like; the spitting image of" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can be used in two main ways: 1. To mean 'entirely' or 'all of it'.
On the other hand, 一同 (いちどう (ichidou)) maps to "all present; all concerned; all of us" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to everyone in a group or gathering. Often used in formal or semi-formal contexts, like speeches or collective messages. Can be used by a speaker to refer to themselves and their group.. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "そっくり"
彼は父親にそっくりだ。
He is just like his father.
Bilingual Context for "一同"
皆様、一同を代表してご挨拶申し上げます。
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to offer a greeting on behalf of everyone present.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は父親に ＿＿＿ だ。" (Meaning: "He is just like his father.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "そっくり" fits here because it means "all; altogether; entirely; just like; the spitting image of" in the context of: "He is just like his father.". "一同" represents "all present; all concerned; all of us".