全然
(Not) at all
Structure
ぜんぜん + (Negative) Phrase
Explanation
Japanese has a number of adverbs that are typically paired with negative verb forms (like ない). One such adverb is 全然. When placed before a phrase ending in ない or ません, 全然（ぜんぜん) emphasizes the negation, meaning 'not at all' or 'not in the slightest'.
- この問題、全然分からない。This problem... I don't understand it at all.
- その映画は全然面白くなかったです。That movie wasn't interesting at all.
When writing, it is perfectly acceptable to use either the kanji form, 全然, or the hiragana form, ぜんぜん. Both are considered natural and can be used without hesitation.
In everyday speech, ぜんぜん is often preferred for its versatility and more conversational feel compared to 全く. The latter is a similar adverb but carries a more formal and sometimes critical tone.
- 昨日はよく寝たから、全然眠くないです。I slept well yesterday, so I'm not sleepy at all.
- 彼の言い訳は全く理解できませんでした。I couldn't understand his excuse at all.
Although both adverbs translate to 'not at all', using まったく can imply that the speaker is dissatisfied or annoyed with the circumstances. However, the final impression is heavily influenced by one's tone.
Caution
While traditionally reserved for negative sentences, it is increasingly common to hear ぜんぜん used with positive statements. In this modern usage, it functions as an intensifier, meaning 'totally' or 'absolutely'.
- このケーキ、全然美味しいね！This cake is totally delicious, isn't it!
This usage is technically considered grammatically incorrect by language purists, but it has become so widespread in casual conversation that it is largely accepted as normal, particularly among younger speakers.
Examples
その映画は全然面白くなかった。
That movie wasn't interesting at all.
全然お金がないから、何も買えない。
I have no money at all, so I can't buy anything.
彼が言ったジョークは全然笑えなかった。
I couldn't laugh at all at the joke he told.
私は辛いものが全然食べられない。
I can't eat spicy food at all.
宿題が全然進まないんだ。
My homework isn't progressing at all.
この部屋は窓がないから、全然明るくない。
This room has no windows, so it's not bright at all.
たくさん歩いたけど、全然平気だよ。
We walked a lot, but I'm completely fine.
彼の話は全然信用できない。
I can't trust his story at all.
このパソコンは古くて、全然役に立たない。
This computer is old and is not useful at all.
最近、忙しくて全然寝ていない。
I've been so busy lately that I haven't slept at all.
このレストランのサービスは全然良くないね。
The service at this restaurant is not good at all, is it?
いくら考えても、全然いいアイデアが浮かばない。
No matter how much I think, I can't come up with any good ideas at all.