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.
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.
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.
This game has an all-or-nothing rule.
The English loanword used in specific contexts like psychology or business jargon.
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.
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.
Insisting on complete acceptance of terms without compromise.
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.
I bought a lottery ticket on an all-or-nothing whim.
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.
She has an all-or-nothing personality.