Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
悉皆
しっかい (shikkai)
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 悉皆 and 一切皆苦.
In Japanese, 悉皆 (しっかい (shikkai)) is typically associated with "all, everything, entirely, without exception" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents A formal and somewhat archaic word meaning 'all' or 'everything without exception'. Less common in daily conversation than 全て.
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 "悉皆"
準備は悉皆整ったので、あとは本番を待つだけだ。
All preparations are complete, so all that's left is to wait for the main event.
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: "準備は ＿＿＿ 整ったので、あとは本番を待つだけだ。" (Meaning: "All preparations are complete, so all that's left is to wait for the main event.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "悉皆" fits here because it means "all, everything, entirely, without exception" in the context of: "All preparations are complete, so all that's left is to wait for the main event.". "一切皆苦" represents "all existence is suffering".