Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Whole" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "whole", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一部始終
いちぶしじゅう (ichibushijū)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
顛末
てんまつ (tenmatsu)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "whole" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一部始終 and 顛末.
In Japanese, 一部始終 (いちぶしじゅう (ichibushijū)) is typically associated with "the whole story, from beginning to end, the full details" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to a complete and detailed account of an event or situation without omission. Often used in contexts of explanation, report, or confession. ある出来事の最初から最後まで、すべてを詳細に指す表現です。.
On the other hand, 顛末 (てんまつ (tenmatsu)) maps to "the whole story; the sequence of events; circumstances; the outcome" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Used to describe the entire sequence of events, from beginning to end, of a particular incident or situation. Often implies a comprehensive recounting or explanation.. A literal translation of "whole" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "一部始終"
彼は事件の一部始終を警察に話した。
He told the police the whole story of the incident.
Bilingual Context for "顛末"
その事件の顛末が新聞に詳しく報じられた。
The whole story of that incident was reported in detail in the newspaper.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は事件の ＿＿＿ を警察に話した。" (Meaning: "He told the police the whole story of the incident.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一部始終" fits here because it means "the whole story, from beginning to end, the full details" in the context of: "He told the police the whole story of the incident.". "顛末" represents "the whole story; the sequence of events; circumstances; the outcome".