Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "一生懸命", "思い切り", "一度に", "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
一度に
いちどに (ichido ni)
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", "一度に", "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..
- 一度に (いちどに (ichido ni) - Level: N3): Maps to "all at once, simultaneously" and is used when Indicates that multiple things happen or are done at the same time or in a single attempt..
- 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 "一度に"
一度にたくさんの質問をしました。
I asked many questions all at once.
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.".