Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
鳶飛魚躍
えんぴぎょやく (enpigyoyaku)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
一切皆苦
いっさいかいく (issaikaiku)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 鳶飛魚躍 and 一切皆苦.
In Japanese, 鳶飛魚躍 (えんぴぎょやく (enpigyoyaku)) is typically associated with "all things existing in their natural state" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus..
On the other hand, 一切皆苦 (いっさいかいく (issaikaiku)) maps to "all existence is suffering" (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 "鳶飛魚躍"
私は鳶飛魚躍に興味があります。
I am interested in all things existing in their natural state.
Bilingual Context for "一切皆苦"
私は一切皆苦に興味があります。
I am interested in all existence is suffering.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は ＿＿＿ に興味があります。" (Meaning: "I am interested in all things existing in their natural state.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "鳶飛魚躍" fits here because it means "all things existing in their natural state" in the context of: "I am interested in all things existing in their natural state.". "一切皆苦" represents "all existence is suffering".