Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Completely" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "completely", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
根も葉もない
ねもはもない (nemohamonai)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
鑿円鑿方
さくえんさくほう (sakuensakuhou)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "completely" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 根も葉もない and 鑿円鑿方.
In Japanese, 根も葉もない (ねもはもない (nemohamonai)) is typically associated with "completely groundless" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus..
On the other hand, 鑿円鑿方 (さくえんさくほう (sakuensakuhou)) maps to "a completely nonsensical argument" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "completely" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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?
Bilingual Context for "鑿円鑿方"
私は鑿円鑿方に興味があります。
I am interested in a completely nonsensical argument.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "これはとても ＿＿＿ ですね。" (Meaning: "This is very completely groundless, isn't it?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "根も葉もない" fits here because it means "completely groundless" in the context of: "This is very completely groundless, isn't it?". "鑿円鑿方" represents "a completely nonsensical argument".