Translation guide
The English adverb "entirely" expresses completeness or totality. In Japanese, this concept is conveyed through various adverbs and expressions that differ in nuance, formality, and usage. The most common equivalents are まったく and 完全に, but the best choice depends on whether you are emphasizing absoluteness, completeness, or a sense of "wholly."
Expressing that something is done or is the case to the fullest extent, without exception.
A versatile adverb meaning 'completely' or 'entirely.' Often used in both positive and negative contexts. Can also express exasperation ('honestly!').
That's entirely different.
I entirely agree.
Means 'completely' or 'perfectly,' emphasizing a state of completeness or flawlessness. Slightly more formal than まったく.
The plan failed entirely.
He has entirely recovered.
Conveys a sense of 'entirely' or 'completely,' often implying a change of state or that nothing is left. Common in spoken Japanese.
I entirely forgot.
The town has entirely changed.
A noun/adverb meaning 'all' or 'everything.' When used adverbially, it can mean 'entirely' in the sense of 'without exception.'
The problem has been entirely resolved.
Emphasizing that something is true in every way, often used in negative sentences or strong affirmations.
Used before negatives to mean 'not at all' or 'absolutely not.' Also used in affirmations for emphasis.
There's entirely no problem.
Commonly used with negatives to mean 'not at all.' In casual speech, it can also be used affirmatively to mean 'totally' or 'entirely.'
Used with negatives to mean 'not at all' or 'none whatsoever.' More formal and emphatic than 全然.
Indicating that something is devoted to or consists of only one thing.
While all three can translate 'entirely,' they have different nuances: - まったく: subjective, often emotional; common in phrases like 'まったく違う' (entirely different) or 'まったくもう' (honestly!). - 完全に: objective, emphasizes a perfect or complete state; used in formal contexts like '完全に修復する' (restore entirely). - すっかり: implies a change over time or a complete state resulting from a process; often used with verbs like '忘れる' (forget) or '変わる' (change).
English uses 'entirely' in many set phrases that do not translate directly. For example, 'I'm not entirely sure' is more naturally rendered as 'よくわからない' (I don't really know) rather than using まったく. Similarly, 'entirely possible' is often '十分にあり得る' (fully possible).
I'm not entirely sure.
Natural Japanese avoids a direct translation of 'entirely' here.
That's an entirely different matter.
The building was entirely destroyed.
That's entirely correct.
全然わからない。
I don't understand at all. (entirely clueless)
It's totally fine. (casual)
一切問題ありません。
There is entirely no problem. (formal)
彼は専ら研究に専念している。
He is entirely devoted to his research. (written)