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.
一切関係ないと言い張った。
They insisted they had nothing to do with it at all.
この件については一切コメントを控えさせていただきます。
We will refrain from making any comments whatsoever on this matter.
酒も煙草も一切やらないので、健康診断の結果はいつも良好だ。
I don't drink or smoke at all, so my health checkup results are always good.
2.
all; everything; the whole
Refers to everything without exception. Often used with nouns to mean "all of something."
引っ越しの準備から手続きまで一切を業者に任せた。
I left everything from moving preparations to paperwork to the service company.
費用は一切会社が負担します。
The company will cover all expenses.
退職にあたり、一切の未払い金を精算する必要がある。
Upon resignation, all outstanding payments need to be settled.
彼は事故の後、一切の記憶を失った。
After the accident, he lost all of his memories.
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."