全て
subete[sɨbe̞te̞]
In Japanese, 'all' can be expressed in several ways depending on the context, with the default form being 全て (subete). Wiktionary also lists 全部 (zenbu) and あらゆる (arayuru).
Meaning: every individual of the given class (det)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 全て | subete | [sɨbe̞te̞] (narrow) | |
| 全部 | zenbu | [d͡zẽ̞mbɯ̟] (narrow) | |
| あらゆる | arayuru | [a̠ɾa̠jɯ̟ɾɯ̟] (narrow) | |
| 全… | zen- | prefix |
These terms are used to refer to every individual of a given class.
Which one should you use?
全部 (zenbu) is the most common way to say 'all' or 'everything' in daily conversation and can be used for both countable and uncountable objects. In contrast, 全て (subete) is more abstract and is often used in poetic or written contexts. あらゆる (arayuru) is used emphatically to mean 'all kinds of' or 'every single', focusing on the variety or the completeness of a set.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
あらゆる is an adnominal, meaning it must be followed directly by a noun. The prefix 全… (zen-) can be attached to nouns to mean 'whole' or 'total', such as in 全員 (all members) or 全世界 (the whole world).
How do you pronounce it?
subete
Did you know?
- While most modern Japanese verbs have evolved, the word あらゆる (arayuru) is a linguistic fossil that preserves an ancient passive verb form.
Examples in context
- それで全部？Is that all?This example shows how to use 全部 to ask if something is complete.Tatoeba #3507409 by arnab, translation #28376 by CK
- 全部読んだの？Did you read it all?This example shows how to use 全部 when asking about the extent of a completed action.Tatoeba #11768095 by bunbuku, translation #3327931 by CK
- 全部聞いたよ。I heard all about it.This example shows how to use 全部 to confirm that you have received the entirety of information.Tatoeba #12167975 by small_snow, translation #12110868 by CK
- 私は 全 ての本を読みました。I read all the books.
- 全部 食べ終わったよ。I've eaten all of it.
- 皆 元気にしてる？Is everyone doing well?
- お金を 全て 使ってしまった。I've spent all my money.
- 399 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are discussing the guests at a party.
- 健太 Kenta全ての人が来たかな？Subete no hito ga kita kana?I wonder if all the people have arrived?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、全員揃っていますよ。Hai, zen'in sorotte imasu yo.Yes, everyone is here.
- 健太 Kenta美咲さんは準備はいい？Misaki-san wa junbi wa ii?Misaki, are you ready?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、大丈夫です。Hai, daijoubu desu.Yes, I'm fine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “all” translations and entries 全て, 全部, あらゆる, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries あらゆる, 全て, 全部, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
