Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一度に
いちどに (ichido ni)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
ことごとく
ことごとく (kotogotoku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一度に and ことごとく.
In Japanese, 一度に (いちどに (ichido ni)) is typically associated with "all at once, simultaneously" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Indicates that multiple things happen or are done at the same time or in a single attempt..
On the other hand, ことごとく (ことごとく (kotogotoku)) maps to "all, entirely, without exception" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An adverb meaning 'completely' or 'everything without exception'. It implies that nothing was left out. Can be used for positive or negative outcomes, often used in more formal or literary contexts.. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "一度に"
一度にたくさんの質問をしました。
I asked many questions all at once.
Bilingual Context for "ことごとく"
彼の計画はことごとく失敗に終わった。
All his plans ended in failure.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ たくさんの質問をしました。" (Meaning: "I asked many questions all at once.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一度に" fits here because it means "all at once, simultaneously" in the context of: "I asked many questions all at once.". "ことごとく" represents "all, entirely, without exception".