Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
百般
ひゃっぱん (hyappan)
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 百般 and 一か八か.
In Japanese, 百般 (ひゃっぱん (hyappan)) is typically associated with "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」.
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 "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.
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 ＿＿＿ の知識を持つ、非常に博識な人物だ。" (Meaning: "He is a very knowledgeable person, possessing all kinds of knowledge.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "百般" fits here because it means "all kinds; various things; all sorts" in the context of: "He is a very knowledgeable person, possessing all kinds of knowledge.". "一か八か" represents "all or nothing".