10+ 全然の使い方 For You

全然違った！おもちゃの使い方が、予想の斜め上！な現実(笑） Conobie[コノビー] from conobie.jp

Introduction

If you've been learning Japanese for a while, you may have come across the word "zenzen" (全然) and wondered what it means. In literal terms, it means "completely" or "totally." However, it's often used in everyday conversation in a different way. In this article, we'll explore the various ways that "zenzen" can be used in Japanese conversation, and provide plenty of examples to help you understand how to use it correctly.

Using Zenzen to Mean "Not At All"

One of the most common ways that "zenzen" is used in conversation is to mean "not at all." This can be used in response to a question, or to express that you haven't done something. For example:

"Did you eat breakfast?"

"Zenzen tabete inai." (I haven't eaten at all.)

"Have you been to Tokyo before?"

"Zenzen ikite inai." (I haven't gone at all.)

Using Zenzen with Negative Verbs

When using "zenzen" to mean "not at all," it's often used with negative verbs. For example:

"Zenzen shiranakatta." (I didn't know at all.)

"Zenzen kiken ga nai." (There's no danger at all.)

Using Zenzen for Emphasis

In addition to its use to mean "not at all," "zenzen" can also be used for emphasis. This is often used in combination with other words to convey a strong emotion or feeling. For example:

"Zenzen dame da." (It's absolutely no good.)

"Zenzen kantan janai." (It's not at all easy.)

Using Zenzen with Positive Verbs

When using "zenzen" for emphasis, it's often used with positive verbs. For example:

"Zenzen kowakunai." (I'm not scared at all.)

"Zenzen tsumaranai koto ja nai." (It's not at all boring.)

Using Zenzen to Mean "Entirely"

Another way that "zenzen" can be used is to mean "entirely" or "completely." This is often used to describe a state or condition. For example:

"Zenzen tsurai." (It's entirely painful.)

"Zenzen tsukarete iru." (I'm completely tired.)

Using Zenzen with Adjectives

When using "zenzen" to mean "entirely," it's often used with adjectives. For example:

"Zenzen muzukashii." (It's entirely difficult.)

"Zenzen kanashii." (It's entirely sad.)

Using Zenzen in Negative Questions

Finally, "zenzen" can also be used in negative questions. This is often used to express surprise or disbelief. For example:

"Zenzen tabete inai no?" (You haven't eaten anything at all?)

"Zenzen shiranai no?" (You don't know anything at all?)

Using Zenzen in Combination with Other Words

When using "zenzen" in negative questions, it's often used in combination with other words to add emphasis. For example:

"Zenzen tabete inai no? Nanka byouki demo nai no?" (You haven't eaten anything at all? Are you sick or something?)

"Zenzen shiranai no? Anata wa nihongo o benkyou shite inai no?" (You don't know anything at all? You haven't been studying Japanese?)

Conclusion

As you can see, "zenzen" is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of ways in Japanese conversation. By understanding the different ways that it can be used, you'll be able to use it correctly and effectively in your own conversations. So the next time you hear someone use "zenzen" in a sentence, you'll know exactly what they mean!