Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一括
いっかつ (ikkatsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
有象無象
うぞうむぞう (uzōmuzō)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一括 and 有象無象.
In Japanese, 一括 (いっかつ (ikkatsu)) is typically associated with "all together, in a lump, collectively, batch" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to handling multiple items, payments, or tasks at once, rather than individually..
On the other hand, 有象無象 (うぞうむぞう (uzōmuzō)) maps to "all sorts of people (often derogatory); rabble; riff-raff; miscellaneous things." (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used to refer to a large, undifferentiated group of people, implying they are ordinary, insignificant, or of little value. It can carry a derogatory connotation, suggesting a lack of quality or distinction.. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "一括"
引っ越し料金は、まとめて一括で支払いました。
I paid the moving fees all at once.
Bilingual Context for "有象無象"
祭りの会場には、有象無象の観光客が集まっていた。
All sorts of tourists gathered at the festival venue.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "引っ越し料金は、まとめて ＿＿＿ で支払いました。" (Meaning: "I paid the moving fees all at once.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一括" fits here because it means "all together, in a lump, collectively, batch" in the context of: "I paid the moving fees all at once.". "有象無象" represents "all sorts of people (often derogatory); rabble; riff-raff; miscellaneous things.".