Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "一生懸命", "思い切り", "あらゆる", "ことごとく"
All represent the core concept "all", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
一生懸命
いっしょうけんめい (isshōkenmei)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
思い切り
おもいきり (omoikiri)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
あらゆる
あらゆる (arayuru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
ことごとく
ことごとく (kotogotoku)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "all" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "一生懸命", "思い切り", "あらゆる", "ことごとく" based on context.
- 一生懸命 (いっしょうけんめい (isshōkenmei) - Level: N3): Maps to "with all one's might; very hard; desperately" and is used when Commonly used as an adverb to describe doing something with great effort, dedication, or intensity. It emphasizes putting maximum effort into an action..
- 思い切り (おもいきり (omoikiri) - Level: N3): Maps to "with all one's might, to one's heart's content, resolutely, boldly" and is used when Expresses doing something without hesitation or regret, often with intensity or to the fullest extent. Can also mean "as much as one wants" or "boldly". The form 「思い切って」 is also common..
- あらゆる (あらゆる (arayuru) - Level: N3): Maps to "all; every possible" and is used when Used to emphasize "all" or "every kind of" without exception. Often precedes a noun. 常に名詞の前に来て「すべての」「考えうる限りの」という意味を強調します。.
- ことごとく (ことごとく (kotogotoku) - Level: N3): Maps to "all, entirely, without exception" and is used when An adverb meaning 'completely' or 'everything without exception'. It implies that nothing was left out. Can be used for positive or negative outcomes, often used in more formal or literary contexts..
Context for "一生懸命"
彼は一生懸命日本語を勉強しています。
He is studying Japanese very hard.
Context for "思い切り"
今日は仕事を忘れて、思い切り遊ぼう！
Let's forget about work today and play to our heart's content!
Context for "あらゆる"
彼はあらゆる努力をして、目標を達成した。
He achieved his goal by making every possible effort.
Context for "ことごとく"
彼の計画はことごとく失敗に終わった。
All his plans ended in failure.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ 日本語を勉強しています。" (Meaning: "He is studying Japanese very hard.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一生懸命" is correct here because it represents "with all one's might; very hard; desperately" in the context: "He is studying Japanese very hard.".