Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Completely" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "completely", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
まるっきり
まるっきり (marukkiri)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
根も葉もない
ねもはもない (nemohamonai)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "completely" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between まるっきり and 根も葉もない.
In Japanese, まるっきり (まるっきり (marukkiri)) is typically associated with "completely, entirely" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus..
On the other hand, 根も葉もない (ねもはもない (nemohamonai)) maps to "completely groundless" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "completely" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "まるっきり"
私はまるっきりに興味があります。
I am interested in completely, entirely.
Bilingual Context for "根も葉もない"
これはとても根も葉もないですね。
This is very completely groundless, isn't it?
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 completely, entirely.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "まるっきり" fits here because it means "completely, entirely" in the context of: "I am interested in completely, entirely.". "根も葉もない" represents "completely groundless".