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
有象無象
うぞうむぞう (uzōmuzō)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 悉皆 and 有象無象.
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, 有象無象 (うぞうむぞう (uzōmuzō)) maps to "all sorts of people (often derogatory); rabble; riff-raff; miscellaneous things." (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used to refer to a large, undifferentiated group of people, implying they are ordinary, insignificant, or of little value. It can carry a derogatory connotation, suggesting a lack of quality or distinction.. 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 "有象無象"
祭りの会場には、有象無象の観光客が集まっていた。
All sorts of tourists gathered at the festival venue.
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.". "有象無象" represents "all sorts of people (often derogatory); rabble; riff-raff; miscellaneous things.".