Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
悉く
ことごとく (kotogotoku)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
一切皆苦
いっさいかいく (issaikaiku)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 悉く and 一切皆苦.
In Japanese, 悉く (ことごとく (kotogotoku)) is typically associated with "all, entirely, completely, without exception" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Emphasizes that every single item or aspect is included; nothing is left out. Used for a comprehensive and exhaustive inclusion..
On the other hand, 一切皆苦 (いっさいかいく (issaikaiku)) maps to "all existence is suffering" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "悉く"
彼の提案は、悉く却下された。
All of his proposals were rejected without exception.
Bilingual Context for "一切皆苦"
私は一切皆苦に興味があります。
I am interested in all existence is suffering.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の提案は、 ＿＿＿ 却下された。" (Meaning: "All of his proposals were rejected without exception.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "悉く" fits here because it means "all, entirely, completely, without exception" in the context of: "All of his proposals were rejected without exception.". "一切皆苦" represents "all existence is suffering".