Translation guide
Expresses strong negation: 'not at all', 'by no means', 'absolutely not'. Used to emphasize that something is not true or will not happen.
Emphasize that something is absolutely not the case, often in formal or emphatic contexts.
A common and versatile pattern for 'never' or 'by no means'. Used with a negative verb form. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
He never tells a lie.
Please never give up.
Literally 'not even a little'. Emphasizes a complete lack of something. Common in everyday speech.
That story was not interesting at all.
Means 'completely not' or 'not at all'. Stronger than 少しも. Can sound emphatic or even rude depending on tone.
There's no problem at all.
Formal and emphatic, often used in rules, prohibitions, or strong denials. 'Absolutely not', 'not in any way'.
Expresses that something is utterly impossible or out of the question. Often used with potential verbs or expressions of ability.
His record can by no means be broken.
I don't know him at all.
彼の言っていることは全く理解できない。
I can't understand what he's saying at all.
Photography is strictly prohibited here.
I have absolutely no knowledge of that matter.
I can't possibly believe such a thing.
I don't remember at all.
I'm not tired at all.
Do not try to translate 'in no way' word-for-word into Japanese. Phrases like '方法がない' (there is no way/method) mean something different. Use the negative emphasis patterns above.