Zenbu means everything or all, used to describe a complete set without exception.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to the entirety of objects or quantity.
- Used frequently in daily conversations for counting.
- Can be written as 全部 or ぜんぶ.
Overview
- 1概要：「ぜんぶ」は日本語の中で最も基本的かつ頻繁に使われる単語の一つです。対象となるものや事柄が、一つも欠けることなく全体であることを示します。平仮名で書くのが一般的ですが、漢字では「全部」と書きます。2) 使用パターン：主に動詞や形容詞の前、あるいは文の冒頭で使われます。「ぜんぶ食べた」「ぜんぶで500円です」のように、動作や状態の範囲を限定する役割を果たします。また、名詞を修飾して「ぜんぶの荷物」のように使うこともありますが、この場合は「すべての」という表現の方がより自然に聞こえることもあります。3) 一般的な文脈：日常会話からビジネスまで幅広く使えます。食事の際、買い物の合計金額、仕事のタスクなど、数や量を数える場面で非常に重宝します。4) 類語との比較：「すべて」は「ぜんぶ」よりも少し硬い表現であり、書き言葉やフォーマルな場面で好まれます。「みな」や「みんな」は主に人に対して使われますが、「ぜんぶ」は人以外の物や事柄に対しても広く適用できる点で最も汎用性が高いです。
Examples
ぜんぶ食べました。
everydayI ate everything.
全部で3000円になります。
formalIt will be 3000 yen in total.
ぜんぶ終わったよ。
informalI finished everything.
すべての条件を確認した。
academicI confirmed all conditions.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
ぜんぶでいくらですか？
How much is it in total?
ぜんぶください
I will take everything.
ぜんぶ同じ
All the same.
Often Confused With
Subete is more formal and often used in writing. Zenbu is preferred in casual spoken Japanese.
Minna refers to a group of people. Zenbu refers to things or quantities.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Zenbu is a versatile adverb that fits most casual contexts. While it can be used in formal settings, switching to 'subete' is recommended for professional writing. It is almost exclusively used for objects and abstract concepts, not people.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often mistakenly use 'minna' for objects, which sounds unnatural. Remember that 'minna' is for people and 'zenbu' is for things. Also, ensure the particle 'de' follows 'zenbu' when discussing totals.
Tips
Use Zenbu for counting totals
When asking for the total price, say 'Zenbu de ikura desu ka?' It is a very natural and common phrase.
Avoid using Zenbu for people
Do not use 'Zenbu' to refer to a group of people. Use 'Minna' or 'Zen-in' instead to avoid sounding rude.
Cultural nuance of completeness
Japanese culture values completeness. Using 'Zenbu' emphasizes that nothing is left behind, which is often appreciated in hospitality.
Word Origin
Derived from the kanji characters 全 (all) and 部 (part). It literally means 'all parts' combined.
Cultural Context
In Japan, finishing your plate is seen as a sign of respect to the cook. Using the word 'zenbu' in this context highlights the completeness of the act.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Zen' as 'Zenith' (the top/all) and 'bu' as 'bulk'. Zen-bu is the bulk of everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「みんな」は主に人に対して使われ、「全員」と同じ意味を持ちます。一方、「ぜんぶ」は物や事柄、量に対して使われるのが一般的です。
日常会話では全く問題ありませんが、非常に硬いビジネス文書やスピーチでは「すべて」や「総計」を使う方が適しています。状況に合わせて使い分けるのが賢明です。
合計金額や合計の数を表す際によく使われます。「ぜんぶでいくらですか？」のように、合計を尋ねる定型句として非常に重要です。
「全部」と書くことも多いですが、平仮名で書くと柔らかい印象を与えます。どちらでも間違いではありませんが、手紙や公的な文書では漢字が好まれます。
Test Yourself
お皿の上のケーキを___食べました。
ケーキは物なので「ぜんぶ」が適切です。
___ いくらですか？
合計を尋ねる際は「ぜんぶで」という形が定型句です。
（宿題を / ぜんぶ / やりました）
目的語の後に副詞を置くのが自然な語順です。
Score: /3
Summary
Zenbu means everything or all, used to describe a complete set without exception.
- Refers to the entirety of objects or quantity.
- Used frequently in daily conversations for counting.
- Can be written as 全部 or ぜんぶ.
Use Zenbu for counting totals
When asking for the total price, say 'Zenbu de ikura desu ka?' It is a very natural and common phrase.
Avoid using Zenbu for people
Do not use 'Zenbu' to refer to a group of people. Use 'Minna' or 'Zen-in' instead to avoid sounding rude.
Cultural nuance of completeness
Japanese culture values completeness. Using 'Zenbu' emphasizes that nothing is left behind, which is often appreciated in hospitality.
Examples
4 of 4ぜんぶ食べました。
I ate everything.
全部で3000円になります。
It will be 3000 yen in total.
ぜんぶ終わったよ。
I finished everything.
すべての条件を確認した。
I confirmed all conditions.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
