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
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 一斉に and 百般.
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, 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 "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: "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.". "百般" represents "all kinds; various things; all sorts".