Meaning

Primary

Entirely

Alternatives

Completely, Not At All

Word Type

adverb

Explanation

It's all nature out there. It's entirely nature and not at all city.

This word is weird. It means two opposite things. Thanks Japanese! Just look out for a negative word after the 全然. If it is negative it's "not at all" if it's not negative it might be "entirely."

Reading

ぜんぜん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 全然ちがう

    completely different

    全然ない

    to not have any of something

    全然分からない

    to not understand at all

Context Sentences

ハリケーンとの天気予ほうがあったのに、全然雨がふらなかった。

Even though the weather forecast said there was a hurricane, we didn't get any rain at all.

「すみませんが、ちょっとたのみ事をしてもいいですか。」「はい、全然いいですよ!」

"Excuse me, but may I ask you for a small favor?" "Sure, of course!"

「分かりましたか?」 「申し訳ないのですが、チンプンカンプンで全然分かりません。今言ったことをもう少しゆっくり言っていただけませんか?」

"Did you get that?" "I’m sorry. I’m completely lost. Could you say that again more slowly?"

Kanji Composition