Not at all, never
Core words, Stage 3chunk 70 of 76Degree words
Lets you say 'not at all' and 'never' with force.
- mattaku(not) at all; totally; geez
- sappari(not) at all; refreshing; light
- issai(not) at all; absolutely no
- kesshitenever; by no means
Mix-ups All need a negative verb; kesshite is the solemn 'never'.
mattaku
(not) at all; totally; geez
With a negative it means 'not at all'; on its own it's an exasperated sigh.
Mattaku mou! = honestly! (annoyed). Mattaku onaji = exactly the same.
kare no hanashi, mattaku wakaranakatta.
I didn't understand a word he said.
彼の話、まったくわからなかった。
kare no hanashi wa mattaku wakarimasen deshita.
I didn't understand his talk at all.
彼の話はまったくわかりませんでした。
Written まったくRank #983 in 3,030 TV dramas
sappari
(not) at all; refreshing; light
Mostly sappari wakaranai (no idea at all); sappari shita describes light food or a fresh, clean feeling.
Sappari shita aji = a light, refreshing taste.
kono mondai, sappari wakaranai.
I have no clue how to do this problem.
この問題、さっぱりわからない。
kono mondai wa sappari wakarimasen.
I don't understand this problem at all.
この問題はさっぱりわかりません。
Written さっぱりRank #2211 in 3,030 TV dramas
issai
(not) at all; absolutely no
A firm, total 'none': issai kankei nai (nothing whatsoever to do with it).
Stiffer than zenzen; common in rules and notices.
sono ken ni wa issai kankei nai yo.
I have absolutely nothing to do with that.
その件には一切関係ないよ。
sono ken ni wa issai kankei arimasen.
I have nothing whatsoever to do with that matter.
その件には一切関係ありません。
Written 一切 · いっさいRank #1300 in 3,030 TV dramas
kesshite
never; by no means
A serious 'never' for promises and warnings.
Zettai ...nai is the everyday 'never'; kesshite sounds more solemn.
kono koto wa kesshite dare ni mo iwanai.
I'll never tell anyone about this.
このことは決して誰にも言わない。
kono koto wa kesshite dare ni mo iimasen.
I will never tell anyone about this.
このことは決して誰にも言いません。
Written 決して · けっしてRank #1158 in 3,030 TV dramas