Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Entirely" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "entirely", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
まったく
まったく (mattaku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
ことごとく
ことごとく (kotogotoku)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "entirely" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between まったく and ことごとく.
In Japanese, まったく (まったく (mattaku)) is typically associated with "entirely; truly; indeed; (not) at all (with negative)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Can be used with positive meanings like "truly" or "really," but very frequently used with negative verbs/adjectives to mean "not at all" or "completely." E.g., 「まったくわからない」.
On the other hand, ことごとく (ことごとく (kotogotoku)) maps to "entirely, all" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "entirely" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "まったく"
彼の話は、私にはまったく理解できませんでした。
I couldn't understand his story at all.
Bilingual Context for "ことごとく"
私はことごとくに興味があります。
I am interested in entirely, all.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の話は、私には ＿＿＿ 理解できませんでした。" (Meaning: "I couldn't understand his story at all.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "まったく" fits here because it means "entirely; truly; indeed; (not) at all (with negative)" in the context of: "I couldn't understand his story at all.". "ことごとく" represents "entirely, all".