Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
渾身
こんしん (konshin)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
一か八か
いちかばちか (ichikabachika)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 渾身 and 一か八か.
In Japanese, 渾身 (こんしん (konshin)) is typically associated with "with all one's might, with all one's body/strength" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Used to emphasize putting all one's effort, energy, or strength into an action. Often followed by の.
On the other hand, 一か八か (いちかばちか (ichikabachika)) maps to "all or nothing" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "渾身"
彼は渾身の力を込めてボールを投げた。
He threw the ball with all his might.
Bilingual Context for "一か八か"
私は一か八かに興味があります。
I am interested in all or nothing.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ の力を込めてボールを投げた。" (Meaning: "He threw the ball with all his might.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "渾身" fits here because it means "with all one's might, with all one's body/strength" in the context of: "He threw the ball with all his might.". "一か八か" represents "all or nothing".