Translation guide
A conflict involving total commitment of resources and effort, often with no restrictions. In Japanese, this can be expressed through specific military terms, idiomatic phrases, or descriptive expressions depending on whether the context is literal warfare, a metaphorical struggle, or an intense effort.
To refer to a war in which a nation mobilizes all available resources and does not limit the scope of combat.
The standard term for 'total war' in a military context, emphasizing the mobilization of all national resources.
第二次世界大戦は総力戦だった。
World War II was an all-out war.
Literally 'full-scale war', often used to describe a war that has expanded to all fronts or involves all aspects of society.
その紛争は全面戦争に発展した。
The conflict escalated into an all-out war.
Means 'full-fledged war', implying a serious, unrestricted conflict as opposed to a limited skirmish.
これはもはや小競り合いではなく、本格的な戦争だ。
This is no longer a skirmish; it's an all-out war.
To describe a fierce struggle or competition where all means are used, such as in business, politics, or personal disputes.
A 'full-scale confrontation', often used for intense rivalries or conflicts that are not literal wars.
両社の価格競争は全面対決の様相を呈している。
The price war between the two companies has turned into an all-out war.
Can be used metaphorically to emphasize that all resources are being thrown into a non-military struggle.
To express the idea of doing something with total commitment, as if fighting a war.
Means 'to do one's utmost', often used when someone is putting all their energy into a task or struggle.
彼は試験勉強に全力を尽くした。
He waged an all-out war on his exam studies.
Literally 'pitching with full power', a common idiom for giving one's all in any endeavor.
プロジェクトに全力投球する。
I'll go all-out on this project.
A very strong expression meaning 'desperately' or 'like one possessed', implying an all-out, frantic effort.
死に物狂いで働いた。
I worked like it was an all-out war.
Also used metaphorically for any all-encompassing conflict, such as a trade war or a legal battle.
これは全面戦争だ。妥協はない。
This is all-out war. There will be no compromise.
The election campaign was truly an all-out war.