Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
終日
しゅうじつ (shūjitsu)
N2 / 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 終日 and 百般.
In Japanese, 終日 (しゅうじつ (shūjitsu)) is typically associated with "all day long, throughout the day" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the entire duration of a single day, from morning until night. Often used in schedules or announcements..
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 "終日"
明日は終日外出します。
I will be out all day tomorrow.
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: "明日は ＿＿＿ 外出します。" (Meaning: "I will be out all day tomorrow.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "終日" fits here because it means "all day long, throughout the day" in the context of: "I will be out all day tomorrow.". "百般" represents "all kinds; various things; all sorts".