全然(ぜんぜん)

ぜんぜん
adverb
not at all
1. not at all
Used with negative verbs to mean 'not at all'.
全然(ぜんぜん)わからない。
I don't understand at all.
全然(ぜんぜん)食(た)べませんでした。
I didn't eat at all.
全然(ぜんぜん)難(むずか)しくないです。
It's not difficult at all.
昨日(きのう)は全然(ぜんぜん)眠(ねむ)れなかった。
I couldn't sleep at all yesterday.
説明(せつめい)を聞(き)いたのに、全然(ぜんぜん)わかりませんでした。もう一度(いちど)説明(せつめい)してください。
I listened to the explanation, but I didn't understand at all. Please explain again.
2. completely (colloquial)
In casual speech, used with positive adjectives to mean 'totally'.
全然(ぜんぜん)大丈夫(だいじょうぶ)。
It's totally fine.
Colloquial positive use
全然(ぜんぜん)いいよ。
It's totally okay.
Colloquial positive use
全然(ぜんぜん)おいしい！
It's totally delicious!
Colloquial positive use
それ、全然(ぜんぜん)ありだと思(おも)う。
I think that's totally fine.
Colloquial positive use
「ごめん、遅(おく)れた！」「全然(ぜんぜん)大丈夫(だいじょうぶ)だよ。私(わたし)も今(いま)来(き)たところだから。」
"Sorry, I'm late!" "It's totally fine. I just got here too."
Colloquial positive use

全然(ぜんぜん) is an adverb traditionally used with negatives to mean "not at all," but modern casual usage also allows positive meanings.

TRADITIONAL USE (with negatives):

MODERN CASUAL USE (with positives):

NOTE:
The positive use is considered casual/colloquial. In formal writing or speech, stick to the traditional negative pattern.

SIMILAR:

  • まったく: completely (slightly more formal)
  • ぜんぜん is more emphatic and casual
basic
Added 2026.1.8 0:55 · Revised 2026.2.12 7:38
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