Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "あまり", "ぜんぜん", "〜だけでなく", "さほど", "一向に"
All represent the core concept "not", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
あまり
あまり (amari)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
ぜんぜん
ぜんぜん (zenzen)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
〜だけでなく
〜だけでなく (〜dake de naku)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
さほど
さほど (sahodo)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
一向に
いっこうに (ikkou ni)
N2 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "not" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "あまり", "ぜんぜん", "〜だけでなく", "さほど", "一向に" based on context.
- あまり (あまり (amari) - Level: N5): Maps to "not much, not very (used with negative verb)" and is used when Adverb. Always used with a negative form of a verb or adjective.
- ぜんぜん (ぜんぜん (zenzen) - Level: N5): Maps to "not at all, completely (used with negative verb)" and is used when Adverb. Stronger negation than あまり.
- 〜だけでなく (〜だけでなく (〜dake de naku) - Level: N3): Maps to "not only... but also..." and is used when Indicates that something applies not just to one thing, but to another as well, often emphasizing the second part. Connects two pieces of information..
- さほど (さほど (sahodo) - Level: N2): Maps to "not particularly, not so much (used with a negative verb)" and is used when Always used with a negative expression to indicate that something is not to that extent or degree. Often implies 'not as much as one might expect.'.
- 一向に (いっこうに (ikkou ni) - Level: N2): Maps to "not at all, utterly, entirely (usually with negative)" and is used when Always used with a negative verb or adjective to emphasize 'not at all,' 'not in the least.' It expresses a complete lack of progress, change, or effect, often despite expectations or efforts..
Context for "あまり"
私はあまりテレビを見ません。
I don't watch TV much.
Context for "ぜんぜん"
私は日本語がぜんぜん分かりません。
I don't understand Japanese at all.
Context for "〜だけでなく"
彼は日本語だけでなく、英語も話せる。
He can speak not only Japanese but also English.
Context for "さほど"
その映画は前評判ほどさほど面白くなかった。
That movie wasn't as interesting as its initial reputation suggested.
Context for "一向に"
いくら説明しても、彼は一向に理解しようとしない。
No matter how much I explain, he shows no sign of understanding at all.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は ＿＿＿ テレビを見ません。" (Meaning: "I don't watch TV much.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あまり" is correct here because it represents "not much, not very (used with negative verb)" in the context: "I don't watch TV much.".