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
諸行無常
しょぎょうむじょう (shogyoumujou)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 渾身 and 諸行無常.
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, 諸行無常 (しょぎょうむじょう (shogyoumujou)) maps to "All is transient / Impermanence" (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 "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 "諸行無常"
私は諸行無常に興味があります。
I am interested in All is transient / Impermanence.
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.". "諸行無常" represents "All is transient / Impermanence".