くまなく
Meanings
1
all over; everywhere; in every corner
usually written using kana alone
Used when searching, looking, or spreading something thoroughly across an entire area, leaving no part untouched.
The police searched every corner of the room.
He traveled all over the world.
2
usually written using kana alone
Rare literary use, often describing light or visibility spreading everywhere without shadow. Modern Japanese more commonly uses 明るく or はっきり.
The moonlight illuminated the garden brightly, leaving no shadow.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉を隈なく捜すto search a place thoroughly, leaving no corner unchecked
The police searched every corner of the house.
- 〈場所〉を隈なく調べるto investigate or inspect a place thoroughly
We thoroughly examined the whole forest, but found nothing.
- 〈物〉を隈なく照らすto light up something completely, without any shadow
The full moon lit up the garden completely, without a single shadow.