1.
(not) at all; (not) in the least; by no means
Used with negative forms to emphasize that something has not happened or changed at all, despite expectations.
一向に気にしない。
I don't mind at all.
雨が一向に止まない。
The rain shows no sign of stopping.
何度説明しても一向に理解してくれないので、困っている。
No matter how many times I explain, they don't understand at all, which is frustrating.
Almost always used with a negative verb or adjective in the pattern 一向に + negative. Expresses frustration or emphasis that something has completely failed to change or happen. Stronger than simply using ない alone.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 一向に構わない: I don't mind at all
- 一向に変わらない: hasn't changed at all
- 一向に進まない: making no progress at all
- 一向に止まない: shows no sign of stopping
- 一向に気にしない: don't care at all
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 全然: not at all — more casual, used in everyday speech
- 全く: not at all, completely — similar emphasis but more versatile
- 少しも: not even a little — emphasizes the complete absence of something
- ちっとも: not at all — casual, often expresses complaint or frustration