Translation guide
The English adverb "completely" expresses totality, thoroughness, or an absolute state. In Japanese, this concept is conveyed through various adverbs, verb endings, and set phrases, depending on the nuance and context.
Expressing that something is done to the fullest extent or that a state is absolute.
The most direct and versatile equivalent. Used for complete actions, states, or changes. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は完全に忘れていた。
He had completely forgotten.
The plan failed completely.
Implies a thorough change or that something is entirely done, often with a nuance of 'completely and naturally' or 'without leaving anything behind'. Common in spoken Japanese.
すっかり暗くなった。
It has gotten completely dark.
彼のことはすっかり忘れていた。
I had completely forgotten about him.
Often used for emphasis, meaning 'completely' or 'absolutely', especially in negative sentences or to express strong feelings. Can sound emphatic or exclamatory.
まったくその通りだ。
That's completely right.
彼の言っていることはまったく理解できない。
I completely don't understand what he's saying.
Same as まったく but written with kanji. Slightly more formal or literary feel.
全く新しいアプローチが必要だ。
A completely new approach is needed.
Emphasizing that an action is performed exhaustively or that something is done in every part.
Means 'thoroughly' or 'completely', focusing on the exhaustive nature of an action. Often used for investigations, cleaning, or preparations.
部屋を徹底的に掃除した。
I cleaned the room completely.
その問題を徹底的に調査する必要がある。
We need to investigate the issue completely.
Literally 'from corner to corner', meaning completely or thoroughly, especially for searching or cleaning a physical space.
家の中を隅から隅まで探した。
I searched the house completely.
Used in negative sentences to mean 'not at all' or 'absolutely not'.
With a negative verb, means 'not at all' or 'completely not'. Very common in casual speech. Can also be used affirmatively in casual contexts, but traditionally paired with negatives.
全然わからない。
I completely don't understand.
彼は全然来なかった。
He didn't come at all.
Stronger than 全然, often used for emphasis in negative sentences. Can sound more formal or emphatic.
Indicating that an action is done to completion or that something is used up entirely.
Attached to verb stems. 〜切る means to do something completely or to finish doing something. 〜切れる is the potential form (can finish), and 〜切れない means cannot finish or cannot do completely. Often used for exhaustion or completion.
Attached to verb stems, meaning to do something to the end, exhaustively, or use up completely. Similar to 〜切る but often implies a more deliberate or exhaustive effort.
できる限りのことはやり尽くした。
I did everything I could completely.
燃料を使い尽くした。
We used up the fuel completely.
Expressing that something has transformed entirely or is utterly different.
Means 'completely different', often used in comparisons. まるで emphasizes the extent of difference.
この二つはまるで違う。
These two are completely different.
A verb meaning 'to change completely' or 'undergo a complete transformation'. More formal or literary.
状況が一変した。
The situation changed completely.
Describing a state of being entirely engrossed in something.
Means to be completely absorbed or obsessed with something. Often used for hobbies or activities.
彼はゲームに夢中になっている。
He is completely absorbed in the game.
More formal than 夢中, meaning to immerse oneself completely in something.
研究に没頭している。
He is completely immersed in his research.
完全に is more objective and formal, often used for factual completeness. すっかり implies a natural, often gradual change to a complete state, and is more common in everyday speech.
Traditionally, 全然 is used with negatives. In casual speech, it can be used affirmatively (e.g., 全然いいよ 'It's totally fine'), but this is informal. In formal writing, stick to negative usage.
全く興味がない。
I have absolutely no interest.