Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一か八か
いちかばちか (ichikabachika)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
一切皆苦
いっさいかいく (issaikaiku)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一か八か and 一切皆苦.
In Japanese, 一か八か (いちかばちか (ichikabachika)) is typically associated with "all or nothing" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus..
On the other hand, 一切皆苦 (いっさいかいく (issaikaiku)) maps to "all existence is suffering" (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 "一か八か"
私は一か八かに興味があります。
I am interested in all or nothing.
Bilingual Context for "一切皆苦"
私は一切皆苦に興味があります。
I am interested in all existence is suffering.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は ＿＿＿ に興味があります。" (Meaning: "I am interested in all or nothing.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一か八か" fits here because it means "all or nothing" in the context of: "I am interested in all or nothing.". "一切皆苦" represents "all existence is suffering".