Translation and Meaning of: 全員 - zenin

The Japanese word 全員 (ぜんいん) is a common term in everyday Japan, but its meaning and use go beyond a simple translation. If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, understanding how this word works can be useful for both conversations and interpreting social and cultural contexts. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, writing in kanji, and practical usage examples.

In addition, we will see how 全員 is perceived in Japan, including its frequency in different situations and even tips for memorizing it more easily. Whether for studies or pure curiosity, this guide will help you master this essential word.

Meaning and Translation of 全員

全員 (zen'in) literally means "all people" or "all members." It is a word composed of the kanji 全 (all, complete) and 員 (member, person), forming a term that refers to an entire group without exceptions. Unlike words such as みんな (minna), which can also mean "everyone," 全員 has a more formal and objective tone.

In practice, you will find 全員 in contexts such as meetings, public notices, or instructions that apply to a group. For example, in schools, it is common to hear phrases like "全員集合!" (ぜんいんしゅうごう – "Everyone, gather!"). This word is often used in situations where everyone's participation is mandatory or expected.

Origin and Writing in Kanji

The kanji 全 (zen) means "complete" or "whole," while 員 (in) refers to "members" or "people within a group." Together, they form a clear idea of totality in relation to a set of individuals. The combination of these characters is not random; it follows the logic of semantic composition in Japanese, where kanjis come together to create more specific meanings.

It is worth noting that 員 is a kanji frequently used in words related to groups, such as 会社員 (かいしゃいん – "company employee") or 生徒員 (せいといん – "student body"). This connection helps to understand why 全員 is so effective in conveying the idea of "everyone involved."

Cultural Usage and Frequency in Japan

In Japan, 全員 is a common word, but it carries an interesting cultural weight. It reflects the valuing of the group and collective harmony, core concepts in Japanese society. In companies, schools, and even at sporting events, the term is used to ensure that no one is left out of important notices or activities.

One curiosity is that, although 全員 is neutral in terms of formality, it frequently appears in public speeches and official announcements. If you watch animes or Japanese dramas, you have probably heard characters saying things like "全員で決めましょう" (Let's decide together as a group). This type of usage reinforces the idea that decisions and actions should include everyone.

Tips for Memorizing 全員

An effective way to memorize 全員 is to associate it with situations where the idea of "everyone" is essential. For example, think of a sports team: if the coach shouts "全員、頑張れ!" (Everyone, do your best!), it becomes easy to remember that the word refers to the whole group. Another tip is to notice that the kanji 全 appears in other words like 安全 (あんぜん – "safety"), reinforcing the notion of completeness.

Additionally, practicing with real sentences helps internalize the term. Write down examples like "全員参加です" (It's participation of all) or "全員揃いました" (Everyone is present) and review them regularly. Over time, 全員 will become a natural word in your Japanese vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 皆様 (minasama) - Everyone (respectful form to refer to a group)
• 全体 (zentai) - The whole set, entirety (emphasizes the idea of unity)
• 全部 (zenbu) - All, everything (indicates the sum of all parts)
• 全員一致 (zen'in icchi) - Consensus of all members (refers to a consensus in the group)

全員

Romaji: zenin
Kana: ぜんいん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: all members (unanimity); all hands; All crew

Meaning in English: all members (unanimity);all hands;the whole crew

Definition: Everyone I am with.

Example Sentences - (全員) zenin

See below some example sentences:

全員集合！

Zen'in shūgō!

They all meet!

All members!

• 全員 - It means "everyone" in Japanese.
• 集合 - means "gather" or "join" in Japanese.
• ! - is an exclamation mark used to emphasize the sentence.

総会には全員出席してください。

Sōkai ni wa zen'in shusseki shite kudasai

Please join everyone in the general meeting.

• 総会 (soukai) - General meeting
• には (niwa) - Particle that indicates the place or moment when something happens
• 全員 (zen'in) - All members
• 出席 (shusseki) - Presence
• してください (shite kudasai) - Please, do it.