Translation guide
The English phrase 'all night' describes an action or state that continues throughout the entire night. In Japanese, this concept is expressed using specific adverbs, time expressions, or verb constructions. The most common equivalent is 一晩中 (hitobanjuu), but other options exist depending on nuance and formality.
To express that an action or state lasts from evening until morning without interruption.
The most common and natural way to say 'all night' in everyday conversation. It emphasizes the duration of the entire night.
昨夜は一晩中起きていた。
I stayed up all night last night.
赤ちゃんが一晩中泣いていた。
The baby cried all night.
Similar to 一晩中, but slightly more literary or emphatic. Often used when the action is continuous and perhaps strenuous.
彼は夜通し働いた。
He worked all night.
Used adverbially to mean 'staying up all night (to do something)'. Often implies intentional sleeplessness for a task like studying or working.
徹夜で勉強した。
I studied all night.
締め切りに間に合わせるために徹夜で働いた。
I worked all night to meet the deadline.
A formal, written term meaning 'all night'. Rare in speech; used in official contexts or literature.
終夜運転のバス
an all-night bus service
To stress that something happened without stopping for the entire night.
Adds ずっと (continuously) to 一晩中 for extra emphasis on the uninterrupted nature.
一晩中ずっと雨が降っていた。
It rained all night long.
Similar to 一晩中ずっと, but with a slightly more literary feel.
夜通しずっと風の音が聞こえた。
I could hear the wind all night long.
To describe a business or service that operates throughout the night.
Commonly used for stores or restaurants that are open all night.
あの店は夜通し営業している。
That store is open all night.
Literally '24-hour business'. Very common for convenience stores and some restaurants.
このコンビニは24時間営業です。
This convenience store is open 24 hours (all night).
一晩中 (hitobanjuu) simply describes the duration of an action throughout the night. 徹夜 (tetsuya) implies intentionally staying awake all night, often to accomplish something. Use 徹夜 when the lack of sleep is the focus.
一晩中パーティーを楽しんだ。
We enjoyed the party all night. (No implication of hardship)
徹夜でレポートを書いた。
I stayed up all night writing the report. (Intentional sleeplessness)
Avoid directly translating 'all night' as 全ての夜 (subete no yoru). This is unnatural and means 'every night' rather than 'throughout the night'.