Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一生懸命
いっしょうけんめい (isshōkenmei)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
一か八か
いちかばちか (ichikabachika)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一生懸命 and 一か八か.
In Japanese, 一生懸命 (いっしょうけんめい (isshōkenmei)) is typically associated with "with all one's might; very hard; desperately" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Commonly used as an adverb to describe doing something with great effort, dedication, or intensity. It emphasizes putting maximum effort into an action..
On the other hand, 一か八か (いちかばちか (ichikabachika)) maps to "all or nothing" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "一生懸命"
彼は一生懸命日本語を勉強しています。
He is studying Japanese very hard.
Bilingual Context for "一か八か"
私は一か八かに興味があります。
I am interested in all or nothing.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ 日本語を勉強しています。" (Meaning: "He is studying Japanese very hard.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一生懸命" fits here because it means "with all one's might; very hard; desperately" in the context of: "He is studying Japanese very hard.". "一か八か" represents "all or nothing".