Is 全然 similar to 全く? I noticed they have the same kanji at the beginning so they are probably similar but it’s interesting that they sound completely different.
Yes, they are similar.
全然 (ぜんぜん) is primarily used in negative sentences to mean “not at all,” emphasizing a complete absence or lack of something. For example, “全然わからない” means “I don’t understand at all.”
In casual speech, it can also be used with positive sentences to mean “totally” or “completely,” such as “全然大丈夫” (“It’s totally fine”).
全く (まったく) is used in both negative and positive sentences, expressing “entirely” or “absolutely.” It often conveys a strong judgment or evaluation. For instance, “全くその通り” means “That’s absolutely right,” and “全く違う” means “Completely different.”
MP3
Is 全然 similar to 全く? I noticed they have the same kanji at the beginning so they are probably similar but it’s interesting that they sound completely different.
全然わからない
全くわからない
Yes, they are similar.
全然 (ぜんぜん) is primarily used in negative sentences to mean “not at all,” emphasizing a complete absence or lack of something. For example, “全然わからない” means “I don’t understand at all.”
In casual speech, it can also be used with positive sentences to mean “totally” or “completely,” such as “全然大丈夫” (“It’s totally fine”).
全く (まったく) is used in both negative and positive sentences, expressing “entirely” or “absolutely.” It often conveys a strong judgment or evaluation. For instance, “全くその通り” means “That’s absolutely right,” and “全く違う” means “Completely different.”