Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一同
いちどう (ichidou)
N2 / 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 一同 and 一切皆苦.
In Japanese, 一同 (いちどう (ichidou)) is typically associated with "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..
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.
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: "皆様、 ＿＿＿ を代表してご挨拶申し上げます。" (Meaning: "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to offer a greeting on behalf of everyone present.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一同" fits here because it means "all present; all concerned; all of us" in the context of: "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to offer a greeting on behalf of everyone present.". "一切皆苦" represents "all existence is suffering".