Roshiago wa zenzen wakarimasen
There are specific adverbs that are used with negative forms to emphasize the negativity of a statement. These adverbs function to strengthen and highlight the negative aspect of the expression. They are placed directly before the negative forms to ensure that the emphasis is clear and effective.
For instance, in English, adverbs like “never,” “hardly,” and “barely” serve this purpose. Similarly, in Japanese, adverbs such as “zenzen”, meaning “not at all,” and “mattaku”, meaning “never,” are used right before negative verbs to intensify the negative meaning.
By placing these adverbs directly before the negative forms, the speaker or writer can convey a stronger and more emphatic negative statement, leaving no doubt about the intended meaning.
zenzen
“Zenzen” is mostly used in negative sentences, but it is sometimes used with affirmative forms. It means “completely” or “totally.” For example, “zenzen wakaranai” means “I don’t understand it at all.” However, “zenzen” can also be used in affirmative sentences to convey a sense of completeness or totality.
If someone asks you something and you want to express your complete acceptance or agreement, you can say “zenzen okkee desu”, which means “It’s completely OK.” This usage of “zenzen” sounds more casual and is commonly heard in everyday conversations among friends or in informal settings.
By using “zenzen” in affirmative contexts, you can add emphasis and convey a strong sense of approval or agreement, making it a versatile adverb in the Japanese language.
Roshiago wa zenzen wakarimasen. (I don’t understand Russian at all.)
Ano paatii wa zenzen tanoshiku arimasendeshita. (That party was not enjoyable at all.)
Doubutsuen ni ikimashita. Panda wa zenzen ugokimasendeshita. (I went to the zoo. Panda didn’t move at all.)
Nihongo to eigo wa zenzen chigaimasu. (Japanese and English completely differ.)
mattaku
“Mattaku” has the same meaning as “zenzen,” but it sounds more formal. Both words can be translated to “completely” or “totally,” and they are often used to emphasize the extent of a statement. For example, while “zenzen” is typically used in more casual settings, “mattaku” is preferred in formal or professional contexts.
If someone asks you if something is acceptable and you want to respond formally, you can say “mattaku mondai gozaimasen”, which means “There is absolutely no problem.” This is a more polite and formal way to express complete agreement or acceptance. In contrast, in a casual setting, you might say “zenzen okkee desu”, which also means “It’s completely OK,” but in a more relaxed and informal tone.
Eigo wa mattaku wakarimasen. (I don’t understand English at all.)
Satousan to suzukisan wa seikaku ga mattaku chigaimasu. (Mr. Sato and Mr. Suzuki, the personalities are completely different.)
amari
“Amari” is another adverb used in Japanese, often in conjunction with negative forms. It carries the meaning of “not that much” or “not very…” and is used to express a sense of limitation or lack. When paired with negative forms, “amari” emphasizes a sense of moderation or constraint in comparison to expectations or standards.
For example, you might say “amari suki janai”, which means “not that fond of.” This usage indicates a mild level of preference or liking, implying that while there is some degree of preference, it is not strong or enthusiastic.
In contrast to “zenzen” and “mattaku,” which emphasize completeness or totality, “amari” focuses on the idea of limitation or moderation. It adds nuance to negative statements by suggesting a level of reservation or qualification.
amari yokunai (not that good)
amari ikanai (I don’t go often.)
amari anzen janai (not that safe)