Grammar Info

N3 Lesson 1: 15/22

(まった)く~ない

Not~at all

Structure Legend

Structure

まったく + Phrase[ない]

Details

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About 全く~ない

全く~ない is an expression that combines the adverb (まった)く, with a phrase that uses another word in its ない form. It is often translated as 'not at all (A)'. Literally, it is closer to 'completely not (A)', or 'entirely not (A)', coming from the kanji (ぜん)'s meaning of 'whole'.
Like many other adverbs, まったく may be used at the beginning of a sentence, or directly before the word that it is describing as being 'not at all' (A).
  • この()(まった)()ないですよ。
    This dog does not bark at all. (() may sometimes be used about pets, if it is obvious what is being discussed)
  • あんた()められても(まった)(うれ)しくない
    Even if I did get complimented by you, it wouldn't make me happy at all.
  • 店員(てんいん)さんこの扇風機(せんぷうき)(しず)ですよ」って()ったから()ったのに、(まった)(しず)かじゃない
    The shopkeeper said 'This fan is very quiet', so I bought it. However, it was not quiet at all.
  • (まった)筋肉(きんにく)ないので(わたし)だけで()ません
    I don't have any muscles at all, so I can't carry this by myself.
It is common to see this expression using both the kanji form, and plain hiragana form of (まった)く, so both should be learned early.
Caution
まったく is very similar to 全然(ぜんぜん), another grammar point that is used to highlight the complete lack of something. However, まったく tends to sound a little bit more serious, and is therefore more likely to be used in formal writing/situations. 全然(ぜんぜん) on the other hand is far more common in casual speech.
  • (まった)()からないので手伝(てつだ)てください
    I don't understand at all, so please help me.
  • 全然(ぜんぜん)わからない手伝(てつだ)って。
    I have no clue. Can you help me?

Examples

  • (かれ)まったく勉強(べんきょう)ない

    He does not study at all.

  • まったく変化(へんか)ない

    There is no change at all.

  • まったく冒険(ぼうけん)する()ない

    I do not at all have the desire to go on an adventure.

  • まったく(こころ)にもない世辞(せじ)()のはやめてください。

    Please stop flattering me with empty praise. (Praise that isn't at all in from the heart)

  • まったく見込(みこ)みがないという意味(いみ)ではない。

    It doesn't mean there is no hope at all.

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全く~ない – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (1 in total)

  • Juppy

    Juppy

    About 5 years ago

    Any chance we can get an example for the na-adjective? Thanks!

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