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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "All" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

一斉に

いっせいに (issei ni)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

是が非でも

ぜがひでも (zegahidemo)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一斉に and 是が非でも. In Japanese, 一斉に (いっせいに (issei ni)) is typically associated with "all at once; simultaneously; in unison" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to describe an action performed by many people or things at the exact same time. Often conveys a sense of suddenness or uniformity.. On the other hand, 是が非でも (ぜがひでも (zegahidemo)) maps to "At all costs, by any means necessary, whether right or wrong" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes a strong determination to achieve something, regardless of difficulties or opposition. Can sometimes imply a ruthless or stubborn attitude.. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "一斉に"
合図と共に、選手たちは一斉にスタートした。
At the signal, the athletes all started at once.
Bilingual Context for "是が非でも"
彼は是が非でもそのプロジェクトを成功させようと決意していた。
He was determined to succeed with that project at all costs.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "合図と共に、選手たちは ___ スタートした。" (Meaning: "At the signal, the athletes all started at once.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "一斉に" fits here because it means "all at once; simultaneously; in unison" in the context of: "At the signal, the athletes all started at once.". "是が非でも" represents "At all costs, by any means necessary, whether right or wrong".