Translation guide
Expresses that something continued throughout an entire period or event. Japanese uses various adverbial phrases and patterns depending on whether the focus is on duration, simultaneity, or contrast.
I was waiting the whole time.
He knew the whole time.
To say that an action or state continued from the beginning to the end of a specified time.
A versatile adverb meaning 'all along', 'the whole time', or 'continuously'. It can be used for both past and ongoing situations.
He remained silent the whole time during the meeting.
It rained the whole time.
Pattern: [time period] + 間ずっと. Emphasizes that something continued throughout that entire period.
The weather was good the whole time during the trip.
A more formal or literary adverb meaning 'from beginning to end' or 'throughout'. Often used in written language.
Literally 'from the beginning to the end'. Emphasizes the entire duration without interruption.
It was fun the whole time.
To reveal that something was true during a past period, often with surprise or contrast.
Used to mean 'all along' when revealing a previously unknown fact. Often paired with past tense.
He knew about it the whole time.
I've liked you the whole time.
Pattern: [verb in ている form] + 間ずっと. Emphasizes that while one action was ongoing, another state or action continued.
To express that two actions occurred concurrently for the entire duration.
Pattern: [verb stem] + ながらずっと. Indicates doing something continuously while doing another action.
I was studying the whole time while listening to music.
Pattern: [A] ている間、ずっと [B] ていた. Emphasizes B continued throughout the entire period of A.
To highlight that something was true the whole time until a certain point, implying a contrast.
Pattern: [time/event] + までずっと. Means 'the whole time until...', often followed by a contrasting statement.
It was sunny the whole time until yesterday, but today it's raining.
The English phrase 'the whole time' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Phrases like '全体の時間' are unnatural. Use adverbial expressions like ずっと or patterns with 間.
Literal translation (incorrect)
She talked the whole time.
I was nervous the whole time.
I was crying the whole time during the movie.
He remained silent the whole time.
He was sleeping the whole time I was talking.
I was watching TV the whole time she was cooking.