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
思いきり
おもいきり (omoikiri)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 全部 and 思いきり.
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, 思いきり (おもいきり (omoikiri)) maps to "with all one's might; to one's heart's content; resolutely; boldly" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 強調したい行動や感情に対して使われる副詞です。「存分に」「思い切って」といったニュアンスがあります。It's an adverb used to emphasize an action or feeling, conveying the nuance of 'to one's heart's content' or 'boldly/resolutely'.. 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 "思いきり"
久しぶりの旅行なので、思いきり楽しみたい。
Since it's a long-awaited trip, I want to enjoy myself to the fullest.
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.". "思いきり" represents "with all one's might; to one's heart's content; resolutely; boldly".