Translation guide
Used to refer to the entirety of something. In Japanese, this is often expressed with words like 全体, 全部, or by using counters with 中. The choice depends on what is being referred to and the context.
To refer to the entirety of a thing, situation, or group.
Refers to the whole of something as a complete entity, often used for abstract concepts, systems, or physical objects. Can be used as a noun or adverbially.
全体の計画を見直す必要がある。
We need to review the whole plan.
全体として、このプロジェクトは成功だった。
On the whole, this project was a success.
Means 'all' or 'the whole' in the sense of every part or every item. More concrete and countable than 全体. Often used for physical objects or complete sets.
ケーキを全部食べた。
I ate the whole cake.
この本を全部読みました。
I read the whole book.
Attached to nouns indicating a time period or a place, meaning 'throughout the whole...' or 'all over...'. For example, 世界中 (the whole world), 一日中 (the whole day).
世界中の人々がそのニュースに注目した。
People all over the world paid attention to the news.
一日中雨が降っていた。
It rained the whole day.
Prefix meaning 'whole' or 'all', used in compounds like 全国 (the whole country), 全世界 (the whole world). More formal and often used in written language.
全国の学校で新しい制度が導入された。
The new system was introduced in schools across the whole country.
To emphasize the entirety as one undivided unit, often contrasting with parts.
Means 'the whole thing' in its entirety, without dividing or cutting. Often used for food or objects that can be consumed or used completely.
魚を丸ごと焼いた。
I grilled the whole fish.
彼は丸ごとのリンゴを食べた。
He ate the whole apple.
Can mean 'the whole thing' when used as an adverb, often implying 'entirely' or 'completely', sometimes with a nuance of 'as is'. Also means 'identical' in other contexts.
To refer to the total amount or sum of something.
Means 'total amount' or 'whole sum', used for money, costs, etc.
総額は100万円です。
The whole amount is one million yen.
Means 'the whole quantity', used in technical or formal contexts.
全体 (zentai) refers to the whole as a complete entity or system, often abstract. 全部 (zenbu) refers to all parts or items, more concrete and countable. For example, 全体の構造 (the whole structure) vs. 全部の部品 (all the parts).
Avoid directly translating 'the whole' as その全体 or その全部 in many contexts. Instead, use the appropriate noun or pattern. For example, 'the whole world' is 世界中, not 世界の全体.
彼は財産をそっくり寄付した。
He donated his whole fortune.
全量を検査する必要がある。
We need to inspect the whole quantity.