Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "全然", "そんなに", "〜だけでなく", "さほど", "一向に"
All represent the core concept "not", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
全然
ぜんぜん (zenzen)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
そんなに
そんなに (sonnani)
N3 / 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 "全然", "そんなに", "〜だけでなく", "さほど", "一向に" based on context.
- 全然 (ぜんぜん (zenzen) - Level: N4): Maps to "not at all, entirely (with negative verb)" and is used when Always used with a negative verb or phrase.
- そんなに (そんなに (sonnani) - Level: N3): Maps to "(not) so much; (not) that much" and is used when Often used with negative expressions.
- 〜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 "全然"
彼は日本語が全然分かりません。
He doesn't understand Japanese at all.
Context for "そんなに"
この映画は、そんなに面白くありませんでした。
This movie wasn't that interesting.
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: "彼は日本語が ＿＿＿ 分かりません。" (Meaning: "He doesn't understand Japanese at all.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "全然" is correct here because it represents "not at all, entirely (with negative verb)" in the context: "He doesn't understand Japanese at all.".