皆目(かいもく)

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(わ)からない (don't understand) or 見当(けんとう)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(かいもく)分(わ)からない — have absolutely no idea
• 皆目(かいもく)見当(けんとう)がつかない — haven't the faintest clue
• 皆目(かいもく)知(し)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(ぜんぜん) — not at all; the most common everyday equivalent
• 一向(いっこう)に — not at all, not in the least; similar literary register