1.
(not) at all; entirely; completely (always with negative)
An emphatic adverb used exclusively with negative expressions to stress total absence, inability, or incomprehension. Similar to 'not at all' or 'not in the least' in English.
皆目分からない。
I have absolutely no idea.
皆目見当がつかない。
I haven't the faintest clue.
彼が何を考えているのか皆目見当がつかなかった。
I had absolutely no idea what he was thinking.
An adverb that always appears with a negative predicate to emphasize completeness — 'not at all,' 'not in the least.' It is never used in affirmative sentences. The word has a somewhat literary or dramatic flavor.
USAGE:
Most commonly paired with 分からない (don't understand) or 見当がつかない (have no idea). Adds strong emphasis to the speaker's total lack of understanding or knowledge.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 皆目分からない — have absolutely no idea
- 皆目見当がつかない — haven't the faintest clue
- 皆目知らない — don't know at all
SIMILAR WORDS:
- さっぱり — not at all (with negative); more casual and colloquial
- 全然 — not at all; the most common everyday equivalent
- 一向に — not at all, not in the least; similar literary register