Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Not" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "not", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
そんなに
そんなに (sonnani)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
一向
いっこう (ikkou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "not" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between そんなに and 一向.
In Japanese, そんなに (そんなに (sonnani)) is typically associated with "(not) so much; (not) that much" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used with negative expressions.
On the other hand, 一向 (いっこう (ikkou)) maps to "not at all; utterly; completely (usually with negative verb)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Typically used with negative expressions. A literal translation of "not" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "そんなに"
この映画は、そんなに面白くありませんでした。
This movie wasn't that interesting.
Bilingual Context for "一向"
彼は私の意見に一向に耳を傾けなかった。
He didn't pay any attention to my opinion at all.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この映画は、 ＿＿＿ 面白くありませんでした。" (Meaning: "This movie wasn't that interesting.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "そんなに" fits here because it means "(not) so much; (not) that much" in the context of: "This movie wasn't that interesting.". "一向" represents "not at all; utterly; completely (usually with negative verb)".