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
終日
しゅうじつ (shūjitsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一生懸命 and 終日.
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, 終日 (しゅうじつ (shūjitsu)) maps to "all day long, throughout the day" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the entire duration of a single day, from morning until night. Often used in schedules or announcements.. 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 "終日"
明日は終日外出します。
I will be out all day tomorrow.
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.". "終日" represents "all day long, throughout the day".