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
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 全部 and 終日.
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, 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 "全部"
このケーキを全部食べました。
I ate this whole cake.
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: "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.". "終日" represents "all day long, throughout the day".