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
悉皆
しっかい (shikkai)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一切 and 悉皆.
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, 悉皆 (しっかい (shikkai)) maps to "all, everything, entirely, without exception" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents A formal and somewhat archaic word meaning 'all' or 'everything without exception'. Less common in daily conversation than 全て. 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 "悉皆"
準備は悉皆整ったので、あとは本番を待つだけだ。
All preparations are complete, so all that's left is to wait for the main event.
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.". "悉皆" represents "all, everything, entirely, without exception".