全知
zenchi
The English phrase 'omniscience' is translated into Japanese as 全知 (zenchi).
全知 is a noun referring to the capacity to know everything. If you wish to use this concept as an adjective meaning 'omniscient', such as when describing an 'omniscient narrator', you should use the form 全知の. In religious or philosophical contexts, you will very frequently see this term paired with the word for omnipotence to form the compound term 全知全能.
Meaning: capacity to know everything (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 全 (zen), meaning 'all' and 知 (chi), meaning 'knowledge'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the noun into an adjective meaning 'omniscient', add the particle の to the noun to form 全知の.
How do you pronounce it?
zenchi
Did you know?
- While 全知 is used for gods, a person with vast knowledge is typically called 博学, meaning 'wide learning'. Using 全知 for a human often sounds like sarcastic hyperbole in manga and anime.
- In Japanese Buddhism, the concept of omniscience is often associated with 般若, a term for transcendent wisdom that differs from standard intellectual knowledge.
- The character 全 in 全知 is also used in the word 完全, meaning 'perfect'. This links the act of knowing everything with the state of being flawless.
Examples in context
- 彼は全知の神様です。He is a god who possesses omniscience.
- 神の全知を信じる人は多い。Kami no zenchi o shinjiru hito wa ooi.Many people believe in the omniscience of God.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are discussing a fantasy novel.
- 健太 Kentaこの主人公は全知の能力を持っているね。Kono shujinkō wa zenchi no nōryoku o motte iru ne.This protagonist has the power of omniscience, doesn't he?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、結末まで全部わかっているみたい。Un, ketsumatsu made zenbu wakatte iru mitai.Yeah, it seems like he knows everything up until the end.
- 健太 Kenta全知すぎると、話がつまらなくならないかな。Zenchisugiru to, hanashi ga tsumaranaku naranai kana.I wonder if the story becomes boring if he's too omniscient.
- 結衣 Yuiでも、その視点が新鮮で面白いよ。Demo, sono shiten ga shinsen de omoshiroi yo.But that perspective is fresh and interesting.
