1.
entirely, completely
To the full extent (with negatives).
まったく分からない。
I don't understand at all.
まったく知らなかった。
I didn't know at all.
まったく同感だ。
I totally agree.
まったく問題ない。
There's no problem at all.
まったく興味がない。
I have no interest at all.
まったく違う意見だ。
It's a completely different opinion.
2.
really, truly
Used for emphasis or exasperation.
まったく困ったものだ。
What a nuisance!
まったく、何を考えているんだ。
Really, what are you thinking?
まったく君には呆れる。
I'm truly amazed by you.
まったく、しょうがない人だ。
Honestly, you're hopeless.
まったく、毎回遅刻するんだから。
Honestly, you're late every single time.
まったく functions as an adverb meaning "entirely" or as an exclamation expressing exasperation.
WITH NEGATIVE PREDICATES:
- まったく〜ない: not at all, completely not
- まったく分からない: don't understand at all
- まったく問題ない: no problem at all
WITH AFFIRMATIVE:
- まったく同じ: exactly the same
- まったく正しい: completely correct
- まったく同感だ: I totally agree
EXCLAMATORY USE:
- まったく！: Really! / Honestly! / Good grief!
- Expresses frustration, exasperation, or disbelief
- Often used at the start of a complaint
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 全然: similar meaning, but more casual; originally negative-only but now used with positives in casual speech
- まったく is slightly more formal than 全然