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A2 adverb 9 min read

全く

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 全く in 30 Seconds

Explanation 全く in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic and common use of 全く (mattaku): expressing that something is 'not at all' the case. At this stage, you are likely learning how to negate verbs and adjectives. Adding mattaku before a negative word allows you to be more specific about the degree of that negation. For example, instead of just saying 'I don't understand' (Wakarimasen), you can say 'I don't understand at all' (Mattaku wakarimasen). This is very useful when you are struggling to communicate and want to make it clear that you are completely lost. You should also recognize 'Mattaku!' when you hear it in movies or anime as a sign of frustration, but you don't need to use it yourself yet. Focus on the pattern: [Mattaku] + [Negative Verb/Adjective]. It is a 'helper' word that strengthens your 'No.' Remember that it always goes before the verb or adjective it is describing. Keep your sentences simple: 'Mattaku tabemasen' (I don't eat it at all) or 'Mattaku samuku nai' (It's not cold at all). This simple building block will help you express yourself with more clarity and impact even with a limited vocabulary.

At the A2 level, you begin to distinguish between different words that mean 'not at all,' specifically 全く (mattaku) and 全然 (zenzen). You should understand that while both are used with negatives, mattaku is slightly more formal and carries a stronger sense of 'zero percent.' At this level, you should also start noticing mattaku used with the word 'onaji' (same). 'Mattaku onaji' means 'exactly the same,' and it is a very common phrase you will encounter in daily life. You should practice using mattaku to describe absolute states, such as 'Mattaku hito ga imasen' (There are no people at all). This level also introduces the idea of 'exasperation.' You might start using 'Mattaku!' in a playful or lighthearted way with friends to show you are slightly annoyed, but be careful not to use it with teachers or superiors. You are also moving beyond just simple verbs and starting to use mattaku with i-adjectives and na-adjectives in their negative forms, such as 'Mattaku kirei ja nai' (It's not pretty at all). This helps you provide more nuanced feedback and descriptions.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 全く (mattaku) in a variety of contexts, including more formal situations. You should understand the nuance of using it to express a total lack of something in a serious tone. For example, in a business meeting, you might say 'Mattaku mondai arimasen' (There is absolutely no problem) to sound professional and confident. You should also begin to recognize the positive use of mattaku more frequently in written texts. In essays or news articles, mattaku might modify a positive statement to mean 'truly' or 'entirely.' You should be able to distinguish this from the negative use based on the sentence ending. At B1, you should also be aware of the phrase 'Mattaku motte' (全くもって), which is a more emphatic and slightly old-fashioned version of mattaku. You might use this when you want to strongly agree with someone: 'Mattaku motte sono toori desu' (You are absolutely and utterly correct). This level requires you to pay attention to the emotional 'weight' of the word—it's not just a degree marker; it's a way to show how serious or certain you are about a statement.

At the B2 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of 全く (mattaku)'s role in rhetorical Japanese. You will encounter it in literature and advanced listening materials where it is used to create atmosphere or emphasize a philosophical point. For example, 'Mattaku no tan'nin' (A complete stranger) or 'Mattaku no kuuhaku' (A total blank/void). These uses go beyond simple negation and enter the realm of defining the essence of a noun. You should also be able to use mattaku to express complex emotions of exasperation or disbelief in a way that sounds natural, not just like an anime character. This involves understanding the correct intonation and the social context of the person you are speaking to. You should also be able to compare mattaku with other advanced adverbs like 'marukkiri' or 'isasa ka mo...nai' and choose the one that fits the register of your speech. At B2, you are expected to use mattaku to provide emphasis in formal presentations or written reports to highlight the absolute nature of your findings or opinions, ensuring there is no ambiguity in your communication.

At the C1 level, your use of 全く (mattaku) should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's in terms of nuance and timing. You should understand the historical roots of the word and how it relates to other words in the 'whole/complete' family, such as 'mattonai.' You will encounter mattaku in classical-style modern Japanese or highly formal speeches (like those of a CEO or a politician) where it is used to underscore the 'wholeness' of a concept. You should be able to analyze how mattaku functions in complex sentence structures where it might be far removed from the verb it modifies. Furthermore, you should be sensitive to the 'gendered' or 'generational' nuances of the interjection 'Mattaku!' While traditionally associated with masculine or older speech, you should understand how its usage is shifting in modern society. At this level, you can use mattaku to add a layer of irony or sarcasm to your speech, using the 'absolute' nature of the word to highlight the absurdity of a situation. Your writing should use mattaku to create a sense of finality and rhetorical strength, particularly in persuasive essays or critical reviews.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command over 全く (mattaku), utilizing it as a precise instrument for linguistic expression. You can navigate its use in the most archaic or specialized contexts, such as legal statutes or classical literary criticism, where its meaning of 'total' or 'intact' is used with surgical precision. You understand the subtle phonological impact of the geminate 'tsu' and how it varies in different dialects or rhetorical styles to add varying degrees of emphasis. You are capable of interpreting the 'unspoken' meanings when a speaker uses mattaku, picking up on the exact level of frustration, certainty, or irony intended. Your own use of the word is perfectly calibrated to the social hierarchy and the specific goals of the interaction. Whether you are using it to dismiss an argument entirely, to affirm a profound truth, or to express a deeply felt cultural exasperation, your choice of mattaku reflects a deep immersion in the Japanese language's ability to blend degree, emotion, and formality into a single, two-kanji word.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

全く in 30 Seconds

Mattaku is a degree adverb meaning 'completely' or 'not at all.'
It is most frequently used with negative verbs and adjectives to show 0%.
It can be used as an exclamation ('Mattaku!') to show frustration.
In formal settings, it means 'truly' or 'entirely' when used with positive words.

The Japanese word 全く (mattaku) is a powerful adverb that functions as a degree intensifier, pushing a statement to its absolute limit. For English speakers, it is most commonly understood as 'entirely,' 'completely,' or 'absolutely.' However, its soul lies in its versatility across different emotional and grammatical landscapes. At its core, the kanji 全 represents 'whole' or 'complete,' and the addition of the small 'tsu' (っ) creates a glottal stop that adds an emphatic punch to the pronunciation, signaling that there is no room for compromise in the statement being made.

Negative Polarity: In roughly 80% of daily conversation, mattaku is paired with a negative verb or adjective. This creates the meaning of 'not at all' or 'not in the least.' It signifies a total absence of something.

彼は私の話を全く聞きません。
(He doesn't listen to my stories at all.)

Beyond simple negation, mattaku serves as a standalone exclamation. When someone is frustrated, exasperated, or simply done with a situation, they might sigh and say, 'Mattaku!' In this context, it functions like the English 'Good grief!' or 'Honestly!' It implies that the situation is 'completely' ridiculous or 'entirely' beyond words. This usage is very common in anime and daily family life, often uttered by parents toward unruly children or by protagonists dealing with absurd sidekicks.

Positive Emphasis: While less common in casual speech, in formal or literary Japanese, mattaku can modify positive adjectives to mean 'truly' or 'entirely.' For instance, 'Mattaku onaji' means 'Exactly the same.'

それは全く正しい判断です。
(That is an entirely correct judgment.)

Understanding the social weight of mattaku is essential. Because it is so absolute, using it can sometimes sound harsh or dismissive. If you tell a teacher 'Mattaku wakarimasen' (I don't understand at all), it sounds much more definitive and perhaps slightly more frustrated than the softer 'Yoku wakarimasen' (I don't understand well). It closes the door on the possibility of partial understanding, making it a word of finality and strong conviction.

Exasperation Usage: When used as an interjection, it is often followed by a long sigh. It is the verbal equivalent of facepalming. It suggests the speaker is 'entirely' fed up.

全く、君というやつは...。
(Honestly, you are something else... / Good grief, you...)

Mastering 全く (mattaku) requires understanding its three primary grammatical patterns. Whether you are negating a verb, emphasizing a similarity, or expressing a personal feeling, the placement and the surrounding grammar are key to sounding natural. Unlike some English adverbs that can float around, mattaku usually sits directly before the phrase it modifies, acting like a spotlight on the 'zero' or 'hundred' quality of the statement.

Pattern 1: Total Negation (Mattaku + Negative): This is the most common use. You use mattaku followed by a verb in its negative form (-nai, -masen) or an adjective in its negative form (-kunai, -ja nai). It translates to 'not at all.'

この問題は全く難しくありません。
(This problem is not difficult at all.)

Notice how mattaku sets the stage for the negative ending. If you hear mattaku at the start of a sentence, your brain should immediately prepare for a negative conclusion. This pattern is used for facts ('I have no money at all') as well as opinions ('That movie wasn't interesting at all').

Pattern 2: Absolute Similarity or Truth (Mattaku + Positive): In this pattern, mattaku modifies positive words like 'onaji' (same), 'tadashii' (correct), or 'sono toori' (exactly so). It adds a layer of '100% certainty.'

二人の意見は全く同じでした。
(The two people's opinions were exactly the same.)

This positive usage feels slightly more formal or emphatic than the negative usage. It is frequently found in academic writing, legal documents, or high-level business negotiations where precision is paramount. It removes any 'gray area' from the comparison.

Pattern 3: The Emphatic Interjection (Mattaku!): Used alone or at the start of a sentence to express annoyance. It often stands by itself, followed by a pause or a sigh.

全く、もう遅いよ！
(Good grief, it's already late!)

Finally, consider the word mattaku-motte (全くもって). This is an even more intensified version of mattaku, used primarily in formal speech or by older generations to mean 'completely and utterly.' It adds a traditional, almost rhythmic weight to the sentence, often used when expressing a deep sense of agreement or a profound disappointment.

The context in which you encounter 全く (mattaku) changes its 'color' significantly. While it is a common word, it isn't used lightly. It carries a certain gravity that more casual adverbs lack. From the quiet halls of a corporate office to the dramatic outbursts of a TV drama, mattaku is the go-to word for expressing the absolute boundaries of human experience.

In the Workplace: In business Japanese, mattaku is used to emphasize precision. You might hear a manager say 'Mattaku mondai arimasen' (There is absolutely no problem) to reassure a client. Here, it sounds professional, decisive, and reliable.

その件については、弊社は全く関与しておりません。
(Our company is not involved in that matter at all.)

Conversely, in the world of entertainment—specifically anime and manga—mattaku is the ultimate tool for characterization. Characters who are 'tsundere' (stern but secretly sweet) or those who are constantly annoyed by their peers frequently use the interjection 'Mattaku!' It serves as a shorthand for their personality: someone who is easily exasperated but perhaps still cares enough to complain.

In Everyday Family Life: Parents often use mattaku when their children repeat the same mistakes. 'Mattaku, nando ittara wakaru no?' (Honestly, how many times do I have to tell you before you understand?). It conveys a mix of fatigue and a '100% done' attitude.

全く、掃除したばかりなのに！
(Honestly, and I just finished cleaning!)

In news broadcasts and journalism, mattaku is used to describe total changes or unprecedented situations. 'Mattaku atarashii houhou' (A completely new method) or 'Mattaku kotonaru kekka' (An entirely different result). In these contexts, it emphasizes the radical nature of the shift, highlighting that there is no overlap with the previous state of affairs.

In Literary Works: Novelists use mattaku to describe absolute silence or total darkness. 'Mattaku no seijaku' (Absolute silence). It helps create a vivid, unshakeable atmosphere of 'completeness' in the reader's mind.

While 全く (mattaku) seems straightforward, English speakers often fall into traps caused by the differences between Japanese and English adverbial logic. Because 'completely' and 'at all' are two different words in English, but covered by one word in Japanese, the grammatical 'tail' of the sentence becomes the most dangerous part for learners.

Mistake 1: The Missing Negative: The most common error is using mattaku to mean 'not at all' but forgetting to conjugate the verb into the negative. If you say 'Mattaku wakarimasu,' you are saying 'I completely understand' (very formal). If you meant 'I don't understand at all,' you MUST say 'Mattaku wakarimasen.'

❌ 昨日は全く寝ました。
(Yesterday I completely slept — sounds unnatural.)
✅ 昨日は全く寝られませんでした。
(Yesterday I couldn't sleep at all.)

In English, we often use 'completely' with positive actions ('I completely ate it'). In Japanese, however, using mattaku with a positive action verb like 'ate' or 'ran' sounds very strange. For positive completion, Japanese uses 'zenbu' (all) or 'kanzen ni' (perfectly/completely). Mattaku is about the degree of a state, not the completion of a physical action.

Mistake 2: Confusing Mattaku with Zenzen: Learners often treat these as identical. While they both mean 'not at all,' zenzen is much more casual. Furthermore, zenzen is now commonly used with positive adjectives in slang ('Zenzen daijoubu' - It's totally fine). Mattaku has NOT made this jump into casual positive slang. Saying 'Mattaku daijoubu' sounds like a very stiff, old-fashioned way of saying 'It is entirely without issue.'

❌ 全く大丈夫！ (Sounds like a robot or a textbook from 1950.)
✅ 全然大丈夫！ (Sounds like a natural modern Japanese person.)

Mistake 3: Overusing the Interjection: Because 'Mattaku!' is so common in anime, learners often use it in real life thinking it's a cool way to say 'Oh man!' However, in real Japanese society, it can come across as quite rude or overly dramatic. It signals a high level of annoyance. If you use it toward a superior or a stranger, you will likely cause offense.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for expressing 'completeness' or 'nothingness.' Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about quantity, quality, or your own emotional state. 全く (mattaku) is just one tool in this kit.

全く (Mattaku) vs. 全然 (Zenzen): These are the biggest rivals. Zenzen originally meant 'not at all' (just like mattaku), but it has evolved into a casual intensifier for both positive and negative things. Mattaku remains more formal, more absolute, and more likely to be used for expressing frustration. Use mattaku for 'not in the least bit' and zenzen for 'not really/not at all' in casual chat.

全く (Mattaku) vs. さっぱり (Sappari): Sappari also means 'not at all,' but it is specifically used for things that are 'clear' or 'refreshed.' When you say 'Sappari wakaranai,' it implies a clean, total lack of understanding—as if your mind is a blank slate. Mattaku wakaranai is more about the degree of the failure to understand.

彼はさっぱり現れません。
(He hasn't shown up at all — implies a sense of expectation being cleared away.)

全く (Mattaku) vs. まるで (Marude): Marude is used for comparisons ('It's just like...'). However, when paired with a negative, it can mean 'completely not.' But its primary job is figurative language. Mattaku is about literal degree. Use marude when you want to say 'It's as if...' and mattaku for 'It is 100%...'

全く (Mattaku) vs. 少しも (Sukoshi mo): Sukoshi mo literally means 'even a little (not).' It is a more emotional way to say 'not at all.' While mattaku is an objective 'zero,' sukoshi mo emphasizes that not even a tiny bit of the thing exists. It's great for expressing disappointment or stubbornness.

彼女は少しも動じなかった。
(She didn't flinch even a little bit.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The double 't' (っ) was added over centuries as an emphatic marker. In classical Japanese literature, you often see 'mataku' without the small 'tsu.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ma.tːa.kɯ/

US /mɑ.tːɑ.ku/

The pitch usually starts high on 'ma' and drops on 'ttaku' (Atamadaka-gata), or stays relatively flat depending on the dialect.

Rhymes With

Kattaku (括託) Sattaku (察度) Hattaku (八宅) Rattaku (落拓) Nattaku (納宅) Kattaku (喝託) Shittaku (湿宅) Gattaku (合宅)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'ma-ta-ku' without the double 't' pause.
Over-emphasizing the final 'u' sound (it should be nearly silent).
Confusing the pitch accent with 'maku' (curtain).
Pronouncing 'tt' like a soft English 'd'.
Failing to make the 'ma' short and crisp.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji is simple, but recognizing the 'small tsu' is crucial.

Writing 2/5

Only two characters (one kanji, one hiragana), very easy to write.

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct intonation and social awareness for the exclamation.

Listening 2/5

Easy to hear, but must listen for the negative ending.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

全 (Zen) ない (Nai) 同じ (Onaji) 全然 (Zenzen) 少し (Sukoshi)

Learn Next

完全に (Kanzen ni) 全て (Subete) さっぱり (Sappari) ちっとも (Chitto mo) まるっきり (Marukkiri)

Advanced

一向に (Ikkou ni) 皆目 (Kaimoku) 露ほども (Tsuyu hodo mo) 微塵も (Mijin mo) 毛頭 (Moutou)

Grammar to Know

Negative Concord (Negative Polarity Items)

全く〜ない, 決して〜ない, 少しも〜ない

Adverbial Modification of Nouns (with 'no')

全くの他人, 全くの嘘

Degree Adverbs (Fukushi)

とても, 非常に, 全く, 少し

Interjections and Sentence-Initial Adverbs

全く、〜 / やっぱり、〜

Formal Emphasis with 'Motte'

全くもって同感です。

Examples by Level

全くわかりません。

I don't understand at all.

Mattaku + negative form of wakarimasu (to understand).

全く食べません。

I don't eat (it) at all.

Mattaku used to emphasize a total lack of action.

全く寒くないです。

It's not cold at all.

Mattaku + negative form of the i-adjective samui (cold).

全くお金がない。

I have no money at all.

Mattaku + nai (negative of aru, to exist/have).

全く同じです。

It is exactly the same.

Mattaku + onaji (same). This is a positive use.

全く静かです。

It is completely quiet.

Mattaku + shizuka (quiet). Emphasizing a state.

全く知りません。

I don't know at all.

Mattaku + shirimasen (negative of shiru, to know).

全く！遅いよ。

Good grief! You're late.

Mattaku used as an interjection of exasperation.

このテストは全く難しくなかった。

This test wasn't difficult at all.

Mattaku + negative past tense of muzukashii (difficult).

私の犬は全く吠えません。

My dog doesn't bark at all.

Mattaku + negative form of hoeru (to bark).

昨日から全く寝ていない。

I haven't slept at all since yesterday.

Mattaku + te-iru negative form (continuous state).

全く、君はいつもそうだね。

Good grief, you are always like that, aren't you?

Mattaku as an interjection followed by a comment.

そのニュースは全くの嘘でした。

That news was a complete lie.

Mattaku no + Noun (a complete [noun]).

全く興味がありません。

I have absolutely no interest.

Mattaku + kyoumi (interest) + ga arimasen.

全く、困ったものだ。

Honestly, what a nuisance.

A common set phrase for expressing that something is a problem.

これとそれは全く別物です。

This and that are completely different things.

Mattaku + betsumono (different thing).

彼の意見には全く賛成できません。

I cannot agree with his opinion at all.

Mattaku + potential negative (cannot do).

全くもって、おっしゃる通りです。

You are absolutely and utterly correct.

Mattaku motte (emphatic version) + set phrase.

その映画の内容は全く覚えていない。

I don't remember the content of that movie at all.

Mattaku + negative form of oboete iru (to remember).

全く、何てことをしてくれたんだ！

Good grief, look what you've done!

Exclamatory use in a high-stress situation.

それは全く新しい視点ですね。

That is a completely new perspective, isn't it?

Mattaku + positive adjective (atarashii).

全くの初心者のためのクラスです。

This is a class for absolute beginners.

Mattaku no + Noun (absolute/complete [noun]).

全く、最近の若者は...

Honestly, young people these days...

A classic stereotypical phrase for older generations.

全く予期せぬ出来事だった。

It was a completely unexpected event.

Mattaku + negative verb used as an adjective (yokisenu).

彼の説明は全く筋が通っていない。

His explanation doesn't make any sense at all.

Mattaku + idiom (suji ga tooru - to make sense) in negative.

全く、手が焼けるやつだ。

Honestly, he's a real handful.

Mattaku + idiom (te ga yakeru - to be difficult to handle).

それは全くの偶然に過ぎない。

That is nothing more than a complete coincidence.

Mattaku no + Noun + ni suginai (nothing more than).

全く、君の能天気さには呆れるよ。

Honestly, I'm amazed by your optimism (negative nuance).

Mattaku + noun phrase + ni akireru (to be amazed/appalled).

この二つの事件は全く無関係だ。

These two incidents are completely unrelated.

Mattaku + mukankei (unrelated - a na-adjective).

全く、いつまで寝ているつもりだ？

Good grief, how long do you intend to sleep?

Mattaku used to start a rhetorical question.

彼の態度は全く失礼極まりない。

His attitude is absolutely the height of rudeness.

Mattaku + adjective + kiwamarinai (extremely/at the limit).

全くの無駄に終わってしまった。

It ended in a complete waste.

Mattaku no + Noun (muda - waste).

その理論は全くの空論であると言わざるを得ない。

I have no choice but to say that theory is a complete pipe dream.

Mattaku no + Noun + de aru (formal) + to iwazaru o enai.

全く、この世はままならないものだ。

Honestly, things in this world don't go as one wishes.

Mattaku used in a philosophical, slightly weary tone.

全く異なる文化圏で育った二人。

Two people who grew up in entirely different cultural spheres.

Mattaku + kotonaru (to differ - formal verb).

全く、救いようのない馬鹿だ。

Honestly, he's a hopeless fool.

Mattaku + sukuiyou no nai (beyond saving) + Noun.

その主張には全く根拠が認められない。

No basis at all can be recognized for that claim.

Mattaku + Noun + ga mitomerarenai (formal passive negative).

全くの別世界に迷い込んだような感覚。

A feeling as if one had strayed into a completely different world.

Mattaku no + Noun (betsusekai) + ni mayoikonda.

全く、何から何まで君のせいだ。

Honestly, every single thing is your fault.

Mattaku + nani kara nani made (from what to what/everything).

それは全くの杞憂に終わった。

That ended up being a completely needless anxiety.

Mattaku no + kiyuu (needless worry - advanced idiom).

全くの静寂が支配する深淵の世界。

An abyssal world dominated by absolute silence.

Mattaku no + Noun (seijaku) + ga shihai suru (literary).

全く、人間というものは不可解な存在だ。

Truly, the human being is an inscrutable existence.

Mattaku used as a philosophical intensifier.

その作品は全く独自の境地を切り拓いている。

The work carves out an entirely unique realm of its own.

Mattaku + dokuji (unique) + Noun phrase.

全く、万策尽きたとはこのことだ。

Honestly, this is what it means to be at one's wit's end.

Mattaku + bansaku tsukita (all plans exhausted - idiom).

全くの暗黒に包まれた密室。

A locked room shrouded in absolute darkness.

Mattaku no + Noun (ankoku) + ni tsutsumareta.

全く、言語道断な振る舞いだ。

Honestly, it is outrageous behavior (beyond words).

Mattaku + gongo doudan (outrageous/scandalous - 4-kanji idiom).

それは全くの偶然の産物に他ならない。

That is nothing other than a product of complete chance.

Mattaku no + Noun + ni hoka naranai (nothing other than).

全く、この不条理な現実をどう受け止めるべきか。

Truly, how should one come to terms with this absurd reality?

Mattaku used to introduce a heavy, existential question.

Common Collocations

全く同じ

全くわからない

全く問題ない

全くの嘘

全く興味がない

全く別

全く見えない

全く動かない

全く関係ない

全く正しい

Common Phrases

全く、もう！

— An exclamation of frustration. Used when someone is fed up with a situation.

全く、もう！何度言ったらわかるの？

全くの他人

— A complete stranger. Someone with no connection to you whatsoever.

彼は私にとって全くの他人です。

全くの無駄

— A complete waste. Something that was totally useless.

努力が全くの無駄になった。

全くの偶然

— A total coincidence. Something that happened purely by chance.

駅で彼に会ったのは全くの偶然だった。

全くの初心者

— An absolute beginner. Someone who has zero experience.

私はゴルフの全くの初心者です。

全くもって同感

— I completely and utterly agree. A very strong form of agreement.

あなたの意見に全くもって同感です。

全く手がつけられない

— Completely out of control. Cannot be handled or dealt with.

この部屋の汚れは全く手がつけられない。

全く話にならない

— Out of the question / Not worth discussing. Used when a proposal is absurd.

その条件では全く話にならない。

全く脈がない

— No chance (often in romance). Literally 'no pulse.'

彼女には全く脈がないようだ。

全く見当がつかない

— I have no idea at all. Cannot even make a guess.

犯人が誰か全く見当がつかない。

Often Confused With

全く vs 全然 (Zenzen)

Zenzen is more casual and can be used with positives in slang. Mattaku is more serious.

全く vs 全て (Subete)

Subete means 'all' (quantity). Mattaku means 'entirely' (degree).

全く vs 全くもって (Mattaku-motte)

This is just an intensified version of Mattaku, often used in formal speech.

Idioms & Expressions

"全く手が焼ける"

— To be a constant source of trouble or very difficult to handle.

全く、手が焼ける子供だ。

Informal

"全く身に覚えがない"

— To have no recollection or knowledge of an accusation.

その事件については全く身に覚えがありません。

Formal

"全く歯が立たない"

— To be no match for someone/something; unable to compete.

彼の実力には全く歯が立たなかった。

Neutral

"全くお話にならない"

— To be totally ridiculous or unacceptable.

そんな言い訳は全くお話にならない。

Formal

"全く影も形もない"

— To have vanished without a trace; no sign of it at all.

探していた鍵が全く影も形もない。

Neutral

"全く非の打ち所がない"

— To be perfect; flawless; with nothing to criticize.

彼女の演技は全く非の打ち所がなかった。

Formal

"全く箸にも棒にもかからない"

— To be utterly hopeless or useless; impossible to deal with.

このレポートは全く箸にも棒にもかからない。

Informal

"全く目も当てられない"

— To be too terrible to look at; a disastrous situation.

試合の結果は全く目も当てられないものだった。

Neutral

"全く救いようがない"

— To be beyond help or redemption; completely hopeless.

あいつは全く救いようがないな。

Informal

"全くもって面目ない"

— To be extremely ashamed or embarrassed; losing face completely.

不手際があり、全くもって面目ない。

Very Formal

Easily Confused

全く vs 全然 (Zenzen)

Both translate to 'not at all.'

Mattaku is formal and absolute. Zenzen is casual and increasingly used for 'totally' in positive contexts.

全然いいよ (It's totally fine) vs 全く問題ない (There is absolutely no problem).

全く vs さっぱり (Sappari)

Both mean 'not at all' with understanding.

Sappari implies a clean slate or feeling refreshed. Mattaku is just the degree of zero.

さっぱり忘れた (Cleanly forgot) vs 全く忘れた (Completely forgot).

全く vs まるっきり (Marukkiri)

Both mean 'completely.'

Marukkiri is more colloquial and often used for surprising transformations.

まるっきり別人だ (He's a completely different person).

全く vs ちっとも (Chitto mo)

Both mean 'not at all.'

Chitto mo is casual and emotional, similar to 'not one bit.'

ちっとも面白くない (Not one bit interesting).

全く vs 少しも (Sukoshi mo)

Both mean 'not at all.'

Sukoshi mo emphasizes the 'even a little' part of the negation.

少しも疑わなかった (I didn't doubt even for a second).

Sentence Patterns

全く [Verb-masen]

全く読みません。

全く [Adjective-nai/kunai]

全く面白くない。

全くの [Noun]

全くの嘘。

全く [Verb-potential-negative]

全く食べられない。

全くもって [Phrase]

全くもってその通りだ。

全く [Adjective-positive]

全く正しい判断。

全く [Verb-negative-past]

全く予期しなかった。

全くの [Abstract Noun]

全くの静寂。

Word Family

全 (Zen - Whole)

全て (Subete - Everything)

全くもって (Mattaku-motte - Utterly)

全うする (Mattou-suru - To fulfill/complete)

全き (Mattaki - Complete/Perfect, archaic)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Japanese.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Mattaku' with a positive verb for completion. → Zenbu tabemashita.
You can't say 'Mattaku tabemashita' to mean 'I ate everything.' Use 'Zenbu' for quantity.
Using 'Mattaku!' exclamation to a teacher. → Sumimasen (or stay quiet).
The exclamation 'Mattaku!' is too informal and shows a lack of respect to superiors.
Forgetting the negative ending. → Mattaku wakarimasen.
Saying 'Mattaku wakarimasu' means 'I completely understand,' which is the opposite of what most learners mean.
Using 'Mattaku' in casual positive slang. → Zenzen daijoubu.
'Mattaku daijoubu' sounds very stiff. Modern Japanese uses 'Zenzen' for casual positive emphasis.
Confusing 'Mattaku' with 'Subete'. → Subete no hito (All people).
Mattaku is an adverb of degree; Subete is a noun/adjective of quantity. You can't say 'Mattaku no hito.'

Tips

Pair with the Negative

Always double-check that your sentence ends with a negative word if you want to say 'not at all.' Forgetting this changes the meaning to 'completely' (positive), which can be very confusing.

Tone Matters

When using 'Mattaku!' as an exclamation, your facial expression and tone tell the listener how angry you are. A soft tone sounds like you're tired; a loud tone sounds like you're furious.

Use for Clarity

In professional settings, use 'Mattaku' to remove doubt. Saying 'Mattaku shouchi shite orimasen' (I am completely unaware) is much clearer than a vague 'shirimasen.'

Learn the 'Mattaku no' Pattern

Learn phrases like 'Mattaku no uso' (complete lie) and 'Mattaku no tan'nin' (complete stranger). These are very common and make you sound like an advanced speaker.

The Spoiler Word

Train your ears to hear 'Mattaku' as a signal. It tells you immediately that the speaker is talking about an extreme (either 0% or 100%).

Formal Agreement

If you want to agree strongly with someone in writing, use 'Mattaku motte sono toori desu.' It is much more sophisticated than just 'Sou desu ne.'

Mattaku the Perfectionist

Imagine a character named Mattaku who refuses anything that isn't 100% or 0%. He has 'Mattaku' (zero) patience for halfway things.

Kanji Context

When you see 全く, look at the very end of the sentence first. This will tell you if it means 'not at all' (negative) or 'entirely' (positive).

Avoid Overuse

Because it's an absolute word, using 'Mattaku' too often can make your speech sound repetitive or overly dramatic. Save it for when you really mean it.

The Anime Sigh

If you want to sound like a character in a drama, use 'Mattaku...' with a sigh when a friend makes a silly mistake. It's a classic Japanese reaction.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'MA-TTA-KU' as 'My Talk is Cool.' But if you say 'Mattaku wakaranai,' you're saying 'My talk is cool, but I have ZERO idea what you're saying!'

Visual Association

Imagine a giant red '0' for negative sentences and a giant gold '100' for positive ones. Mattaku only lives at those two numbers.

Word Web

Zen (Whole) Subete (All) Zenzen (Not at all) Sappari (Clueless) Onaji (Same) Muda (Waste) Uso (Lie) Wakaranai (Don't know)

Challenge

Try to use 'Mattaku' in three different ways today: once to say you don't understand something, once to say two things are the same, and once (privately!) as a sigh when you're annoyed.

Word Origin

Derived from the ancient Japanese word 'mataku' (全), which meant 'whole,' 'complete,' or 'intact.' The root 'mata-' is found in other words relating to completeness.

Original meaning: To be in a state of wholeness; without any parts missing or broken.

Japonic (Old Japanese)

Cultural Context

Avoid using 'Mattaku!' (exclamation) toward people of higher status; it sounds condescending or impatient.

English speakers often use 'totally' or 'completely' casually. Japanese 'Mattaku' is heavier and more serious than 'totally.'

Anime characters like Vegeta (Dragon Ball) or Asuka (Evangelion) frequently use 'Mattaku!' The phrase 'Mattaku, naze darou' (I wonder why on earth...) is a common trope in mystery novels. The movie title 'Mattaku no Tan'nin' (Complete Strangers).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Expressing lack of understanding

全くわからない
全く理解できない
全く見当がつかない
全く話が見えない

Comparing two things

全く同じ
全く別物
全く異なる
全く正反対

Expressing frustration

全く、もう！
全く、困ったもんだ
全く、手が焼ける
全く、信じられない

Confirming a fact

全くの事実
全くの嘘
全くの間違い
全くその通り

Describing a state of zero

全くお金がない
全く人がいない
全く音がない
全く興味がない

Conversation Starters

"「全く同じ」ものを持っていますか？ (Do you have the exact same thing?)"

"最近、「全く」寝られないことはありましたか？ (Have you had any times recently where you couldn't sleep at all?)"

"日本語の勉強で「全くわからない」ことは何ですか？ (What is something in Japanese study that you don't understand at all?)"

"「全く」と言いたくなるほど、誰かにイライラしたことはありますか？ (Have you ever been so frustrated with someone you wanted to say 'Mattaku!'?)"

"「全くの初心者」として何か新しいことを始めたいですか？ (Is there something new you want to start as an absolute beginner?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、「全く」予想していなかったことが起きましたか？ (Did something happen today that you didn't expect at all?)

あなたが「全く」興味がないトピックについて書いてください。 (Write about a topic that you have absolutely no interest in.)

「全く同じ」毎日を繰り返すことについて、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about repeating the exact same day over and over?)

最近「全く」感動した出来事は何ですか？ (What is an event recently that truly/entirely moved you?)

「全く！」と叫びたくなるような社会の問題を一つ挙げてください。 (Name one social problem that makes you want to shout 'Mattaku!')

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it is less common in casual speech. It is used with words like 'onaji' (same) or 'tadashii' (correct) to mean 'entirely.' In formal writing, it can also mean 'truly.'

It can be. It shows frustration. You should avoid saying it to your boss or a stranger, but it's fine to use with family or close friends when you're annoyed.

Mattaku is more formal and serious. Zenzen is more casual. Also, Zenzen can be used in slang to mean 'very' (Zenzen daijoubu), while Mattaku cannot.

It is written as 全く. The kanji 全 means 'whole' or 'all.'

Not always, but most of the time. If it doesn't have a negative verb, it usually modifies a noun (Mattaku no uso) or an adjective of similarity (Mattaku onaji).

They can, but it sounds like they are acting like adults or mimicking their parents. It's usually a word used by people in authority.

It is an intensified, formal version of 'Mattaku.' It's like saying 'completely and utterly' or 'truly and honestly.'

Yes, very often. It is used to give clear, absolute answers like 'Mattaku mondai arimasen' (There is absolutely no problem).

Yes. 'Kanzen ni' focuses on the perfection or completion of an action (I completely finished it). 'Mattaku' focuses on the degree of a state (I don't understand at all).

Imagine you are about to say 't,' but you hold your breath for a split second before releasing the sound. Ma-(pause)-taku.