全然
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Adverb used with negative verbs or adjectives to express 'not at all.' For example, 『全然分からない』 (zenzen wakaranai, 'I don't understand at all.').
Theme
Two friends, Ken and User, are at a café discussing a recent movie they both watched. Ken asks for User's opinion on the film.
全然
ぜんぜん
not at all
Core Language Building BlocksAdverbs & Connectors
Memory Hook
Imagine someone saying 'not at all' with a shrug — it sounds like 'zen-zen' (全然). 'Zen-zen' → 'not at all' in Japanese!
Cultural Note
In modern Japanese, 『全然』 (zenzen) is most commonly used with negative verbs or adjectives to mean 'not at all.' Historically, it could mean 'wholly' or 'entirely' in positive contexts, but this usage is now rare and often considered old-fashioned or literary.
Forms
Base: 全然Adverb used with negative verbs or adjectives to express 'not at all.' For example, 『全然分からない』 (zenzen wakaranai, 'I don't understand at all.').