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.
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.
It has gotten completely dark.
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.
That's completely right.
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.
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.
I cleaned the room completely.
We need to investigate the issue completely.
Literally 'from corner to corner', meaning completely or thoroughly, especially for searching or cleaning a physical space.
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.
I completely don't understand.
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.
I did everything I could completely.
Expressing that something has transformed entirely or is utterly different.
Describing a state of being entirely engrossed in something.
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.
I have absolutely no interest.
燃料を使い尽くした。
We used up the fuel completely.