Translation and Meaning of: 悉く - kotogotoku

The Japanese word 悉く [ことごとく] may seem complex at first glance, but its meaning and usage are simpler than we imagine. In this article, we will explore what it represents, how it is used in daily life, and what cultural nuances lie behind it. If you have come across this term in texts or conversations and are curious, you are in the right place.

In addition to uncovering its meaning and translation, let's dive into details such as the origin of the kanji, its frequency of use in Japan, and even tips to memorize it effectively. All of this is based on reliable sources and verified information, so you can learn without worries. Shall we get started?

The meaning and translation of 悉く

The word 悉く [ことごとく] is an adverb that means "totally," "completely," or "without exception." It is often used to emphasize that something happened absolutely, leaving nothing out. For example, if someone says that "the plans were 悉く canceled," it means that all the plans were affected, without any exception.

In Portuguese, we can find equivalents such as "completely" or "entirely," but the strength of ことごとく goes beyond, conveying an idea of almost inevitable totality. This nuance is important for understanding why the Japanese choose this word in specific situations, especially when they want to emphasize that something happened in an unavoidable manner.

The origin and kanjis of 悉く

The kanji 悉 is composed of the radical 心 (heart) and the component 采, which conveys the idea of "collecting" or "gathering." Together, they form a character that conveys the meaning of "everything together" or "fully known." This construction reflects well the meaning of the word, as ことごとく implies something that encompasses everything, leaving nothing out.

It is worth noting that 悉く is one of the few words in Japanese that uses this specific kanji, which makes it somewhat unique. Although it is not extremely common in everyday use, it appears with some frequency in formal texts, literature, and even in news, especially when one wants to convey a sense of completeness or inevitability.

How to use 悉く in everyday life

悉く is more common in written contexts or formal speeches, but it can also appear in conversations when someone wants to emphasize a situation where everything happened in a certain way. For example, in a work meeting, someone might say that "the suggestions were 悉く rejected," indicating that none of them were accepted.

One tip to memorize this word is to associate it with situations where something occurred without exceptions. Think of moments when everything went wrong, everything was accepted, or everything changed — these are perfect scenarios to use ことごとく. Additionally, practicing with real examples, such as sentences from news or books, can help solidify its meaning and usage naturally.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• すべて (subete) - Everything; everything included; in general.
• 全て (subete) - Identical to すべて; it also means everything; it can be used in formal contexts.
• ことごとく (kotogotoku) - Everything; everyone; in all cases.
• とことん (tokoton) - Until the end; completely; intensely.
• つまびらかに (tsumabiraka ni) - Clara; detailed; in an open and explicit manner.
• ひととおり (hitotoori) - Generally; overall; including most aspects.
• ほとんど (hotondo) - Almost all; almost everything; most of it.
• まるっきり (marukkiri) - Completely; totally; in an absolute manner.
• 完全に (kanzen ni) - Completely; perfectly; without flaws.
• 全面的に (zenmenteki ni) - Comprehensively; in all aspects; totally.
• 総じて (soojite) - In general; generally speaking; considering everything.
• 総て (subete) - Synonym of すべて; emphasizes totality.
• 総てにおいて (subete ni oite) - In every aspect; in every sense.
• 総ての点で (subete no ten de) - In all aspects; in all matters.
• 総ての面で (subete no men de) - In all areas; on all sides.
• 総てを含めて (subete o kumete) - Including everything; encompassing all parts.
• 総てを網羅して (subete o moro shite) - Covering everything; fully encompassing.
• 総てを包含して (subete o hokan shite) - Including everything; with totality encompassed.
• 総てを含む (subete o fukumu) - Includes everything; encompasses all aspects.
• 総てを含めた (subete o fukumeta) - Including everything; completely covered.
• 総てを含んで (subete o fukunde) - Understands everything; encompasses all parts.
• 総てを網羅した (subete o moro shita) - It was fully covered; complete coverage.
• 総てを包含した (subete o hokan shita) - It was fully included; all aspects covered.
• 総てを含むように (subete o fukumu you ni) - In order to include everything; fully covering.
• 総てを含めると (subete o fukumeru to) - Include everything; considering all aspects.

悉く

Romaji: kotogotoku
Kana: ことごとく
Type: adverb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Completely; entirely

Meaning in English: altogether;entirely

Definition: all all