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
百般
ひゃっぱん (hyappan)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 悉皆 and 百般.
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, 百般 (ひゃっぱん (hyappan)) maps to "all kinds; various things; all sorts" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used in the phrase 「百般のことにわたる」. 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 "百般"
彼は百般の知識を持つ、非常に博識な人物だ。
He is a very knowledgeable person, possessing all kinds of knowledge.
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.". "百般" represents "all kinds; various things; all sorts".