Structure
まったく + Phrase［ない］
Details
Register
Standard
About 全く～ない
全く～ない is an expression that combines the adverb 全く, 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 全'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).
It is common to see this expression using both the kanji form, and plain hiragana form of 全く, so both should be learned early.
Caution
まったく is very similar to 全然, 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 on the other hand is far more common in casual speech.
Related
Examples
--:--
Get more example sentences!
Premium users get access to 12 example sentences on all Grammar Points.
彼は全く勉強しない。
He does not study at all.
全く変化がない。
There is no change at all.
全く負けたことがない。
I have never lost. Ever.
全く学ぶつもりがない。
I have no intention of learning at all.
実は全く泳げないんです。
To be honest, I can't swim at all.
Self-Study Sentences
Study your own way!
Add sentences and study them alongside Bunpro sentences.
Online
Example Sentences and Listening Practice
Japanese Test 4 You
Offline
Tobira
Page 261
Track Resources!
Bunpro tracks all of the resources you’ve visited, and offers relevant bookmarks of physical books to help with offline tracking.
全く～ない – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (1 in total)
Juppy
Any chance we can get an example for the na-adjective? Thanks!
Got questions about 全く～ない? Join us to discuss, ask, and learn together!
Join the Discussion