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.
彼は決して嘘をつかない。
He never tells a lie.
決して諦めないでください。
Please never give up.
Literally 'not even a little'. Emphasizes a complete lack of something. Common in everyday speech.
その話は少しも面白くなかった。
That story was not interesting at all.
彼のことは少しも知らない。
I don't know him at all.
Means 'completely not' or 'not at all'. Stronger than 少しも. Can sound emphatic or even rude depending on tone.
全く問題ない。
There's no problem 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.
Formal and emphatic, often used in rules, prohibitions, or strong denials. 'Absolutely not', 'not in any way'.
ここでの写真撮影は一切禁止されています。
Photography is strictly prohibited here.
その件については一切関知していない。
I have absolutely no knowledge of that matter.
Expresses that something is utterly impossible or out of the question. Often used with potential verbs or expressions of ability.
彼の記録は到底破れない。
His record can by no means be broken.
そんなことは到底信じられない。
I can't possibly believe such a thing.
決して is often used with volitional statements (promises, intentions) and sounds slightly formal. 全く is more about completeness of negation and can be used in both casual and formal settings. 少しも is colloquial and emphasizes 'not even a little'.
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.