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
耳を疑う
みみをうたがう (mimiwo utagau)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "not" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一向 and 耳を疑う.
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, 耳を疑う (みみをうたがう (mimiwo utagau)) maps to "to not believe one's ears" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 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 "耳を疑う"
毎日、日本語を練習するために耳を疑う。
Every day, I not believe one's ears to practice Japanese.
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.". "耳を疑う" represents "to not believe one's ears".