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
有象無象
うぞうむぞう (uzōmuzō)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between そっくり and 有象無象.
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, 有象無象 (うぞうむぞう (uzōmuzō)) maps to "all sorts of people (often derogatory); rabble; riff-raff; miscellaneous things." (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used to refer to a large, undifferentiated group of people, implying they are ordinary, insignificant, or of little value. It can carry a derogatory connotation, suggesting a lack of quality or distinction.. 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 "有象無象"
祭りの会場には、有象無象の観光客が集まっていた。
All sorts of tourists gathered at the festival venue.
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.". "有象無象" represents "all sorts of people (often derogatory); rabble; riff-raff; miscellaneous things.".