Japanese word

全然

Pronunciation

Romajizenzen

Meaning

  • adverbnot at all

Example

全然わかりません。zen zen wa ka ri ma se n

I do not understand at all.

Illustration for 全然 (not at all)

More examples

その説明は全然難しくありません。so no setsu mei wa zen zen muzuka shi ku a ri ma se n

That explanation is not difficult at all.

Core concept

Covers the full extent of a situation, which becomes a total absence when the situation is stated negatively.

Common phrases

  • 全然わからないzen zen wa ka ra na i

    not understand at all

  • 全然知らないzen zen shi ra na i

    not know at all

  • 全然できないzen zen de ki na i

    not be able to do at all

Similar words

まったくmattaku: It expresses that something is completely absent or does not happen in a negative statement.
少しもsukoshimo: It expresses the absence of even a small amount or degree.
ちっともchittomo: It expresses the complete absence of a result or quality in an informal negative statement.

Definition in Japanese

まったく、少しも。あとに否定の語を伴い、ある状態が完全にないことを表す。ma tta ku suko shi mo a to ni hi tei no go o tomona i a ru jō tai ga kan zen ni na i ko to o arawa su

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 全然 (zenzen, "entirely") combines 全 (zen, "whole") with 然 (zen, "so"). Its earlier broad meaning of "entirely" remains visible in some modern affirmative uses.

Usage tips

  • In casual conversation, 全然 (zenzen) can appear by itself when the negative meaning is clear from the context.

Word lists with this word