微塵
also: びじん
Meanings
1
Refers to a very small physical fragment, such as a speck of dust or a crumb. Often used in expressions like 微塵切り (finely chopped) or 微塵に砕ける (shatter into bits).
The glass shattered into tiny pieces.
Finely chop the onion.
2
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
not at all; not the slightest
Used with a negative verb, typically in the pattern 微塵も〜ない, to emphasize a complete lack of something. Stronger than 全然〜ない.
I didn't have the slightest doubt about his words.
There is not the slightest sign of remorse.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉を微塵に切るto chop something into tiny pieces
I minced the garlic finely and stir-fried it.
- 微塵も〈動詞〉ないto not do/feel something even in the slightest
I didn't doubt his words in the slightest.
- 〈物〉が微塵に砕けるfor something to shatter into tiny fragments
The vase fell on the floor and shattered into pieces.
- 微塵もないthere is not the slightest trace of
She seemed to have no regret whatsoever.