Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一切
いっさい (issai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
一か八か
いちかばちか (ichikabachika)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一切 and 一か八か.
In Japanese, 一切 (いっさい (issai)) is typically associated with "all, everything; absolutely not (with negative)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents When used with a negative verb, it means 'absolutely no' or 'not at all'. When used without a negative, it means 'all' or 'everything'.
On the other hand, 一か八か (いちかばちか (ichikabachika)) maps to "all or nothing" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "一切"
私はその件について一切知りません。
I know absolutely nothing about that matter.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私はその件について ＿＿＿ 知りません。" (Meaning: "I know absolutely nothing about that matter.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一切" fits here because it means "all, everything; absolutely not (with negative)" in the context of: "I know absolutely nothing about that matter.". "一か八か" represents "all or nothing".