Translation guide
This English phrase is used for strong emphasis, meaning 'absolutely everything' or 'all without exception'. In Japanese, this idea is expressed through various adverbs, noun phrases, and set expressions rather than a single direct translation. The choice depends on what is being emphasized (words, things, people, details) and the level of formality.
一言一句
every single word and phrase
Literally 'one word, one phrase'; used for careful attention to wording.
To stress that absolutely everything or everyone in a group is included, with no omissions.
Means 'without leaving even one'; used for objects or actions. Very common and natural.
彼は本を一つ残らず読んだ。
He read every single book.
Specifically for people: 'every single person, without exception'.
一人残らず会議に出席した。
Every single person attended the meeting.
General word for 'all' or 'everything'. To add emphasis, combine with other words or context.
全ての言葉を覚えた。
I memorized every single word.
Emphatic 'every possible; all kinds of'. Often used before nouns.
ありとあらゆる手段を試した。
I tried every single method.
Literary/formal: 'every one; all; without exception'. Often used in written language.
彼の提案はことごとく却下された。
Every single one of his proposals was rejected.
To stress that each word or phrase is being considered individually, often in contexts like careful listening, memorization, or criticism.
Set phrase meaning 'every word and phrase'. Used when scrutinizing or recalling exact wording.
彼のスピーチを一言一句覚えている。
I remember every single word of his speech.
Literally 'one word, one word'; emphasizes each individual word, often in learning or translation.
一語一語辞書で調べた。
I looked up every single word in the dictionary.
To emphasize that nothing was said, heard, or understood, often with verbs like 'say', 'understand', or 'believe'.
Pattern: 'not even a single word'. Very common in negative sentences.
彼は一言も話さなかった。
He didn't say a single word.
Pattern: 'not a single thing'. Can be used for words if context is clear, but more general.
彼の言ったことは何一つ理解できなかった。
I couldn't understand a single word he said.
Directly translating 'every single' as 「毎一つの」 or 「単一の」 is unnatural. Use the set phrases and patterns above instead.
「一つ残らず」 explicitly emphasizes 'without leaving even one', while 「全て」 is a neutral 'all'. Use 「一つ残らず」 when you want to stress completeness.
Formal idiom: 'omitting neither small nor large; down to the last detail'. Used for thorough reporting or recording.
会議の内容を細大漏らさず報告した。
I reported every single detail of the meeting.