Translation guide
Expresses complete negation or lack of something. In Japanese, this is often conveyed through specific negative sentence patterns, adverbs, or set phrases rather than a single direct translation.
To say that something is absolutely not the case, or that there is none of something.
A stronger, more emphatic 'not at all', often used in formal or written contexts. Can also mean 'completely' in positive sentences.
Literally 'not even a little', used to emphasize a complete lack of something.
少しも疲れていない。
I'm not tired at all.
お金が少しもない。
I have no money at all.
Casual and conversational, similar to 'not at all' or 'not a bit'. Often used with verbs like わかる or adjectives.
ちっともわからない。
I don't get it at all.
ちっとも寒くない。
It's not cold at all.
Means 'nothing' or 'not anything', often used to say there is nothing at all.
To politely deny a compliment or downplay one's ability, similar to 'not at all' in English.
Used to strongly deny a compliment or an accusation. Can mean 'not at all', 'don't mention it', or 'absolutely not'.
「日本語が上手ですね。」「とんでもないです。」
"Your Japanese is good." "Not at all."
Simple 'no', but can be used to modestly deny a compliment, often followed by a self-deprecating comment.
Casual denial, 'that's not true at all'. Used among friends.
「私ってダメだよね。」「そんなことないよ。」
"I'm hopeless, aren't I?" "Not at all."
To emphasize that something is absolutely not the case, often with a nuance of 'far from it'.
Means 'not at all' or 'completely not', often used with verbs like 違う (different) or わかる (understand).
まるで違う。
It's completely different. (Not at all the same.)
まるで覚えていない。
I don't remember at all.
Often used with わからない to mean 'I have no idea' or 'I don't understand at all'. Can also mean 'refreshingly' in positive contexts.
さっぱりわからない。
I haven't got a clue.
English 'not at all' is often a polite response to thanks or compliments. In Japanese, the appropriate response depends on context. Direct translation as 「全くない」 is unnatural in such situations. Use とんでもない or いいえ instead.
全然 is more common in everyday speech and can be used with both verbs and adjectives. 全く is slightly more formal and emphatic, often used in written language or serious declarations.
「上手ですね。」「いいえ、まだまだです。」
"You're good at this." "Not at all, I still have a long way to go."