Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Not" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "not", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一向
いっこう (ikkou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
とうてい
とうてい (toutei)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "not" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一向 and とうてい.
In Japanese, 一向 (いっこう (ikkou)) is typically associated with "not at all; utterly; completely (usually with negative verb)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Typically used with negative expressions.
On the other hand, とうてい (とうてい (toutei)) maps to "(not) possibly, by no means" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "not" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "とうてい"
これはとてもとうていですね。
This is very (not) possibly, by no means, isn't it?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は私の意見に ＿＿＿ に耳を傾けなかった。" (Meaning: "He didn't pay any attention to my opinion at all.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一向" fits here because it means "not at all; utterly; completely (usually with negative verb)" in the context of: "He didn't pay any attention to my opinion at all.". "とうてい" represents "(not) possibly, by no means".