Translation guide
The English phrase "every direction" refers to all possible spatial orientations or paths. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific words and phrases that emphasize omnidirectionality, scattering, or comprehensive coverage.
To describe movement, scattering, or facing toward all sides simultaneously.
Literally 'four directions, eight directions', this is the most common and natural way to say 'in every direction' or 'all around'. It emphasizes completeness and is used for both literal and figurative scattering or looking.
鳥が四方八方に飛び立った。
The birds flew off in every direction.
彼は四方八方を見回した。
He looked around in every direction.
A more literal translation meaning 'every possible direction'. It is slightly more formal and emphasizes the exhaustive nature of the directions.
あらゆる方向から攻撃された。
We were attacked from every direction.
Means 'all directions' or 'omnidirectional'. Often used in technical or formal contexts, such as surveillance, antennas, or strategies.
このカメラは全方位を監視できる。
This camera can monitor every direction.
Literally 'both right and left', used in contexts where 'every direction' is implied by mentioning the two primary lateral directions. Often used when someone is confused or surrounded.
右も左もわからない。
I don't know which way is which. (lit. I don't know right from left.)
To describe things dispersing or being distributed in many directions without a specific pattern.
Describes people or things scattering in all directions, often in a disorderly manner. Commonly used for crowds or groups dispersing.
群衆は散り散りに逃げた。
The crowd fled in every direction.
An adverb meaning 'separately' or 'in all directions', often used when things come apart or disperse. It implies a lack of unity.
書類がばらばらに散らばった。
The papers were scattered in every direction.
To indicate that something is coming from or being considered from multiple perspectives or sources.
Means 'from every direction' in the sense of 'from all quarters' or 'from various fields'. Used for opinions, pressure, or information.
各方面から批判が集まった。
Criticism came from every direction.
Literally 'from four directions', it is a simpler version of 四方八方 and is used for attacks or wind coming from all sides.
四方から敵に囲まれた。
We were surrounded by enemies from every direction.
四方八方 is the most idiomatic and common for physical scattering or looking around. あらゆる方向 is more literal and can be used in abstract contexts, but may sound slightly stiff in casual speech.
Directly translating 'every direction' as 毎方向 or すべての方向 is unnatural. Use the set phrases above.