1.
(not) at all; entirely; absolutely (with negative)
Used with negative expressions to mean "not at all" or "absolutely not." Emphasizes complete absence or denial.
彼のことは一切知らない。
I don't know anything about him at all.
責任は一切負いません。
We take absolutely no responsibility.
2.
all; everything; the whole
Refers to everything without exception. Often used with nouns to mean "all of something."
費用は一切会社が負担します。
The company will cover all expenses.
TWO MAIN USES:
1) WITH NEGATIVE: Emphasizes complete absence
- 一切〜ない (not 〜 at all)
- 一切関係ない (have nothing to do with)
- 一切責任を負わない (take no responsibility whatsoever)
2) AS NOUN: Everything, all
- 一切の費用 (all expenses)
- 一切を任せる (to entrust everything)
- 一切合切 (everything without exception - emphatic)
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 一切お断りします (We refuse absolutely)
- 一切ノーコメント (No comment at all)
LEGAL/BUSINESS USAGE:
一切 is commonly used in disclaimers, contracts, and formal notices to express absolute terms.
ORIGIN:
From Buddhist terminology meaning "all things" or "everything."