Translation guide
Expresses that nearly everything or everyone in a group is included. Japanese uses different constructions depending on whether you are talking about things, people, or time, and whether the statement is positive or negative.
To say that nearly everything in a category or group is included.
The most common and versatile way to say 'almost all'. Can be used as a noun or adverb. Often followed by の + noun or directly modifies a verb.
Almost all people agreed.
Slightly more formal/literary than ほとんど. Emphasizes 'nearly everything'.
Almost all the shops were closed.
Means 'the greater part' or 'most'. Often used in more formal or written contexts.
To say that nearly every person in a group does something or is in a state.
Standard way to say 'almost all people'. 人 can be replaced with other nouns like 学生, 社員, etc.
To say that something happens nearly all the time.
Literally 'almost always'. The most natural way to express frequency.
To say that almost none of something exists or happens.
The standard pattern for 'almost no...' or 'hardly any'. The verb/adjective must be negative.
I have almost no money. (lit. Money is almost all not.)
Avoid direct translations like ほとんどすべての (which is acceptable but less common) or 近いすべて (incorrect). Use ほとんど as the default.
Almost all Japanese people eat rice.
ほとんど is the most common and neutral. ほぼすべて is more emphatic and slightly formal. 大半 is often used in news or reports and implies a majority, not necessarily 'almost all'.
I've finished almost all of my homework.
参加者の大半は学生だった。
Almost all of the participants were students.
Almost all people have a smartphone.
Casual 'everyone' or 'all'. In context, can mean 'almost all' when not literally 100%.
Almost everyone saw that movie.
He is late almost all the time.
Means 'usually' or 'most of the time'. Slightly less than 100% but often used for 'almost all the time'.
I'm at home almost all weekends.
He eats almost nothing.
Almost all students passed. (neutral)
Nearly all students passed. (emphatic)
The majority of students passed. (formal)