Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
大丈夫
だいじょうぶ (daijōbu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
ずっと
ずっと (zutto)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 大丈夫 and ずっと.
In Japanese, 大丈夫 (だいじょうぶ (daijōbu)) is typically associated with "all right, okay, no problem" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents An な-adjective. Used to confirm safety, well-being, or acceptability. Can also be used to refuse politely..
On the other hand, ずっと (ずっと (zutto)) maps to "all the time, for a long time, much (more/less), continuously" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An adverb used to express continuity. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "大丈夫"
転んでしまいましたが、大丈夫です。
I fell down, but I'm okay.
Bilingual Context for "ずっと"
子供の頃からずっと日本のアニメが好きです。
I've liked Japanese anime ever since I was a child.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "転んでしまいましたが、 ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "I fell down, but I'm okay.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "大丈夫" fits here because it means "all right, okay, no problem" in the context of: "I fell down, but I'm okay.". "ずっと" represents "all the time, for a long time, much (more/less), continuously".