Structure
まったく + Phrase[ない]
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Standard
使用域
一般
About 全く~ない
全く~ない is an expression that combines the adverb 全く, with a phrase that uses another word in its ない form. It is often translated as 'not at all (A)'. Literally, it is closer to 'completely not (A)', or 'entirely not (A)', coming from the kanji 全's meaning of 'whole'.
Like many other adverbs, まったく may be used at the beginning of a sentence, or directly before the word that it is describing as being 'not at all' (A).
Like many other adverbs, まったく may be used at the beginning of a sentence, or directly before the word that it is describing as being 'not at all' (A).
- この子は全く吠えないですよ。This dog does not bark at all. (子 may sometimes be used about pets, if it is obvious what is being discussed)
- あんたに褒められても全く嬉しくない。Even if I did get complimented by you, it wouldn't make me happy at all.
- 店員さんが「この扇風機は静かですよ」って言ったから買ったのに、全く静かじゃない。The shopkeeper said 'This fan is very quiet', so I bought it. However, it was not quiet at all.
- 全く筋肉がないので私だけでは持てません。I don't have any muscles at all, so I can't carry this by myself.
Caution
まったく is very similar to 全然, another grammar point that is used to highlight the complete lack of something. However, まったく tends to sound a little bit more serious, and is therefore more likely to be used in formal writing/situations. 全然 on the other hand is far more common in casual speech.- 全く分からないので、手伝ってください。I don't understand at all, so please help me.
- 全然わからない。手伝って。I have no clue. Can you help me?
Synonyms
ぜんぜん
(Not) at all
Not studied yet
すこしも~ない
Not even a little, Not at all, Not in the least, Never
Not studied yet
あまり~ない
Not very, Not much, Not really, Hardly
Not studied yet
とても~ない
Not ~ at all, Cannot ~ at all
Not studied yet
なかなか~ない
Not really, Hardly, Not easily or readily, By no means, Far from
Not studied yet
決して〜ない
Never, By no means
Not studied yet
Examples
彼はまったく勉強しない。
He does not study at all.
まったく変化がない。
There is no change at all.
まったく冒険する気がない。
I do not at all have the desire to go on an adventure.
まったく心にもないお世辞を言うのはやめてください。
Please stop flattering me with empty praise. (Praise that isn't at all in from the heart)
まったく見込みがないという意味ではない。
It doesn't mean there is no hope at all.
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全く~ない – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (1 in total)
Juppy
Any chance we can get an example for the na-adjective? Thanks!
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