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
渾身
こんしん (konshin)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一生懸命 and 渾身.
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, 渾身 (こんしん (konshin)) maps to "with all one's might, with all one's body/strength" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Used to emphasize putting all one's effort, energy, or strength into an action. Often followed by の. 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 "渾身"
彼は渾身の力を込めてボールを投げた。
He threw the ball with all his might.
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.". "渾身" represents "with all one's might, with all one's body/strength".