Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
思い切り
おもいきり (omoikiri)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
一切
いっさい (issai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 思い切り and 一切.
In Japanese, 思い切り (おもいきり (omoikiri)) is typically associated with "with all one's might, to one's heart's content, resolutely, boldly" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Expresses doing something without hesitation or regret, often with intensity or to the fullest extent. Can also mean "as much as one wants" or "boldly". The form 「思い切って」 is also common..
On the other hand, 一切 (いっさい (issai)) maps to "all, everything; absolutely not (with negative)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents When used with a negative verb, it means 'absolutely no' or 'not at all'. When used without a negative, it means 'all' or 'everything'. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "思い切り"
今日は仕事を忘れて、思い切り遊ぼう！
Let's forget about work today and play to our heart's content!
Bilingual Context for "一切"
私はその件について一切知りません。
I know absolutely nothing about that matter.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "今日は仕事を忘れて、 ＿＿＿ 遊ぼう！" (Meaning: "Let's forget about work today and play to our heart's content!")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "思い切り" fits here because it means "with all one's might, to one's heart's content, resolutely, boldly" in the context of: "Let's forget about work today and play to our heart's content!". "一切" represents "all, everything; absolutely not (with negative)".