Japanese word

全く

Pronunciation

Romajimattaku

Meaning

  • adverbcompletely

Example

それは全く違います。so re wa matta ku chiga i ma su

That is completely different.

Illustration for 全く (completely)

More examples

この方法は全く新しいです。ko no hō hō wa matta ku atara shi i de su

This method is completely new.

Core concept

Shows that something reaches an extreme with no remainder, meaning completely in an affirmative statement and not at all with a negative one.

Common phrases

  • 全く分からないmatta ku wa ka ra na i

    not understand at all

  • 全くないmatta ku na i

    not exist at all

  • 全く違うmatta ku chiga u

    completely different

  • 全く同じmatta ku ona ji

    exactly the same

  • 全く新しいmatta ku atara shi i

    completely new

Similar words

全然zenzen: It mainly means not at all with a negative expression, and completely in casual affirmative use.
すっかりsukkari: It shows that a state or change has become complete, often after a process.
ちっともchittomo: It means not at all and is normally used with a negative expression.

Definition in Japanese

残るところなく、すべて。否定語を伴って、少しも。noko ru to ko ro na ku su be te hi tei go o tomona tte suko shi mo

Word origin

The adverb 全く (mattaku) comes from 全い (mattai, "whole") through the classical adverbial ending く (ku, "adverbial ending").

Usage tips

  • As a standalone response, 全く (mattaku) expresses exasperation in a way that differs from its usual role before another word.

Other meanings

  • not at alladverb

Word lists with this word