Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Not" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "not", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
あまり
あまり (amari)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
全然
ぜんぜん (zenzen)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "not" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between あまり and 全然.
In Japanese, あまり (あまり (amari)) is typically associated with "not much, not very (used with negative verb)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Adverb. Always used with a negative form of a verb or adjective.
On the other hand, 全然 (ぜんぜん (zenzen)) maps to "not at all, entirely (with negative verb)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Always used with a negative verb or phrase. A literal translation of "not" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "あまり"
私はあまりテレビを見ません。
I don't watch TV much.
Bilingual Context for "全然"
彼は日本語が全然分かりません。
He doesn't understand Japanese at all.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は ＿＿＿ テレビを見ません。" (Meaning: "I don't watch TV much.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あまり" fits here because it means "not much, not very (used with negative verb)" in the context of: "I don't watch TV much.". "全然" represents "not at all, entirely (with negative verb)".