Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Completely" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "completely", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
うってかわって
うってかわって (uttokawatte)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
さっぱり
さっぱり (sappari)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "completely" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between うってかわって and さっぱり.
In Japanese, うってかわって (うってかわって (uttokawatte)) is typically associated with "completely changed; entirely different; suddenly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to describe a sudden and complete change in situation, atmosphere, or someone's attitude. Often implies a dramatic shift..
On the other hand, さっぱり (さっぱり (sappari)) maps to "completely, not at all" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "completely" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "うってかわって"
昨日までの雨模様が、今日はうってかわって快晴だ。
The rainy weather until yesterday has completely changed to clear skies today.
Bilingual Context for "さっぱり"
私はさっぱりに興味があります。
I am interested in completely, not at all.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "昨日までの雨模様が、今日は ＿＿＿ 快晴だ。" (Meaning: "The rainy weather until yesterday has completely changed to clear skies today.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "うってかわって" fits here because it means "completely changed; entirely different; suddenly" in the context of: "The rainy weather until yesterday has completely changed to clear skies today.". "さっぱり" represents "completely, not at all".