全然分からない
zenzen wakaranai
In Japanese, "no idea" can be expressed as 全然分からない (zenzen wakaranai).
The phrase 全然分からない is used to express a complete lack of understanding or knowledge about a subject.
Meaning: I don't know (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 全然 (completely/not at all) and 分からない (do not understand).
How does it change in a sentence?
You can change the level of politeness by altering the verb ending: using wakaranai is the plain/informal version, while changing the ending to wakari-masen makes the phrase polite.
How do you pronounce it?
zenzen wakaranai
Did you know?
- The phrase ピンと来ない (pin to konai) is a common way to say 'it doesn't click' or 'I have no idea what you mean' regarding a suggestion.
- To express 'no idea' with a shrug, Japanese speakers might accompany the phrase with a slight tilt of the head or a small hand gesture near the chin, rather than the wide shoulder shrug common in English.
- In many Japanese business contexts, instead of saying 'I have no idea', people use 存じ上げません (zonjiagemasen) to express the same thing with extreme humility.
Examples in context
- 正直12音音楽って何がいいのか全然分からないんですよね。I honestly have no idea what would make a good twelve-note composition.This sentence is useful for expressing that you do not understand the appeal of a specific musical style using 全然分からない.Tatoeba #2941394 by tommy_san, translation #10130152 by tsp_2
- この問題の答えが全然分からない。Kono mondai no kotae ga zenzen wakaranai.I have no idea what the answer to this problem is.
- 彼女が何を考えているのか全然分からない。Kanojo ga nani o kangaete iru no ka zenzen wakaranai.I have no idea what she is thinking.
Example conversation
Two students are studying together in a library.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの数学の公式、全然分からないよ。Kono suugaku no koushiki, zenzen wakaranai yo.I have no idea about this math formula.
- 結衣 Yui私も全然分からない。難しいね。Watashi mo zenzen wakaranai. Muzukashii ne.I have no idea either. It's difficult, isn't it?
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣ちゃん、教えてくれる？Yui-chan, oshiete kureru?Yui, can you teach me?
- 結衣 Yuiごめん、私も全然分からないんだ。Gomen, watashi mo zenzen wakaranai n da.Sorry, I have no idea either.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
