Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "大丈夫", "ずっと", "一生懸命", "ことごとく"
All represent the core concept "all", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
大丈夫
だいじょうぶ (daijōbu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
ずっと
ずっと (zutto)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
一生懸命
いっしょうけんめい (isshōkenmei)
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 "大丈夫", "ずっと", "一生懸命", "ことごとく" based on context.
- 大丈夫 (だいじょうぶ (daijōbu) - Level: N5): Maps to "all right, okay, no problem" and is used when An な-adjective. Used to confirm safety, well-being, or acceptability. Can also be used to refuse politely..
- ずっと (ずっと (zutto) - Level: N4): Maps to "all the time, for a long time, much (more/less), continuously" and is used when An adverb used to express continuity.
- 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..
- 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 "大丈夫"
転んでしまいましたが、大丈夫です。
I fell down, but I'm okay.
Context for "ずっと"
子供の頃からずっと日本のアニメが好きです。
I've liked Japanese anime ever since I was a child.
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 "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: "転んでしまいましたが、 ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "I fell down, but I'm okay.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "大丈夫" is correct here because it represents "all right, okay, no problem" in the context: "I fell down, but I'm okay.".