Translation guide
The English phrase "all or nothing" describes a situation where only complete success or total failure is possible, with no middle ground. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through idiomatic phrases, set expressions, and descriptive language rather than a single direct translation.
Expressing that a situation demands complete commitment or results in total failure, with no partial outcome.
Literally 'one or eight', this phrase means taking a gamble where the outcome is either complete success or total failure. It's the most common equivalent for 'all or nothing' in the sense of a risky venture.
一か八かやってみよう。
Let's give it a shot, all or nothing.
Another gambling-derived phrase meaning 'sink or swim', used when the result is binary and uncertain.
のるかそるかの勝負だ。
It's an all-or-nothing contest.
A direct translation 'all or zero', used in modern contexts like gaming or business to describe binary outcomes.
このゲームは全部かゼロかのルールだ。
This game has an all-or-nothing rule.
The English loanword used in specific contexts like psychology or business jargon.
彼はオール・オア・ナッシングの考え方をする。
He has an all-or-nothing mindset.
Describing a person who thinks in extremes, with no middle ground, often in a perfectionist or obsessive way.
Literally 'white or black', this phrase describes a black-and-white way of thinking, synonymous with an all-or-nothing mentality.
彼は物事を白か黒かで判断する。
He judges things in an all-or-nothing way.
Meaning 'perfection or nothing', used to describe a perfectionist attitude where anything less than perfect is unacceptable.
彼女は完全か無かの性格だ。
She has an all-or-nothing personality.
Insisting on complete acceptance of terms without compromise.
Literally 'accept or not', used when presenting an ultimatum with no room for negotiation.
条件はのむか否かだ。
It's all or nothing regarding the conditions.
Using English loanwords 'yes or no', this is a blunt way to demand a clear answer.
返事はイエスかノーかでお願いします。
Please give me an all-or-nothing answer.
Both mean 'all or nothing' in a gamble, but 一か八か is more common and can be used for any risky decision. のるかそるか emphasizes the binary outcome and is slightly more dramatic.
一か八か宝くじを買った。
I bought a lottery ticket on an all-or-nothing whim.
のるかそるかの大勝負に出た。
He went for an all-or-nothing big gamble.
The direct translation '全てか無か' (すべてかむか) is understandable but not idiomatic. Use the phrases above for natural Japanese.