Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
全部
ぜんぶ (zenbu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
こぞって
こぞって (kozotte)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 全部 and こぞって.
In Japanese, 全部 (ぜんぶ (zenbu)) is typically associated with "all; whole; entirely" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used to mean 'all' or 'everything'. Can modify nouns or act as an adverb meaning 'completely'. For people, 皆.
On the other hand, こぞって (こぞって (kozotte)) maps to "all together; everyone (without exception)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates that all members of a group did something collectively, often with enthusiasm or unity. It implies 'without exception'.. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "全部"
このケーキを全部食べました。
I ate this whole cake.
Bilingual Context for "こぞって"
クラスメートがこぞって彼の誕生日を祝った。
All the classmates celebrated his birthday together.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "このケーキを ＿＿＿ 食べました。" (Meaning: "I ate this whole cake.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "全部" fits here because it means "all; whole; entirely" in the context of: "I ate this whole cake.". "こぞって" represents "all together; everyone (without exception)".