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
ぜんいん
ぜんいん (zen'in)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 全部 and ぜんいん.
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, ぜんいん (ぜんいん (zen'in)) maps to "all members, everyone" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Emphasizes that every single person in a group or specific context is included. 「全員参加」. 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 "ぜんいん"
会議室に全員集まってください。
Please gather everyone in the meeting room.
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.". "ぜんいん" represents "all members, everyone".