Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
是非
ぜひ (zehi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
そっくり
そっくり (sokkuri)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 是非 and そっくり.
In Japanese, 是非 (ぜひ (zehi)) is typically associated with "by all means, definitely, without fail" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Expresses a strong desire or request, often used with ください.
On the other hand, そっくり (そっくり (sokkuri)) maps to "all; altogether; entirely; just like; the spitting image of" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can be used in two main ways: 1. To mean 'entirely' or 'all of it'. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "是非"
今度、ぜひ私の家にも遊びに来てください。
Please do come visit my house next time, by all means.
Bilingual Context for "そっくり"
彼は父親にそっくりだ。
He is just like his father.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "今度、ぜひ私の家にも遊びに来てください。" (Meaning: "Please do come visit my house next time, by all means.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "是非" fits here because it means "by all means, definitely, without fail" in the context of: "Please do come visit my house next time, by all means.". "そっくり" represents "all; altogether; entirely; just like; the spitting image of".