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
百般
ひゃっぱん (hyappan)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一同 and 百般.
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, 百般 (ひゃっぱん (hyappan)) maps to "all kinds; various things; all sorts" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used in the phrase 「百般のことにわたる」. 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 "百般"
彼は百般の知識を持つ、非常に博識な人物だ。
He is a very knowledgeable person, possessing all kinds of knowledge.
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.". "百般" represents "all kinds; various things; all sorts".