Translation guide
The English word "absolutely" has several distinct uses: strong agreement, emphasis on completeness or totality, and in negative constructions meaning "not at all". This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Expressing enthusiastic or emphatic agreement, similar to "definitely", "certainly", or "of course".
The most common and natural way to say "absolutely" when agreeing. It means "of course" or "certainly". Suitable for most situations.
「手伝ってくれる？」「もちろん！」
"Can you help me?" "Absolutely!"
Literally "that's right" or "exactly". A polite and formal way to express strong agreement. Often used in business or when confirming someone's statement.
「この計画が最善だと思います。」「その通りです。」
"I think this plan is the best." "Absolutely."
Can mean "absolutely" or "completely" in agreement, but often carries a nuance of exasperation or strong feeling. Use with care; it can sound like "You said it!" or "Tell me about it!"
Literally "absolutely" or "definitely", but as a standalone agreement it can sound a bit stiff or emphatic. More natural in full sentences like "絶対に行きます" (I'll absolutely go).
「パーティーに来る？」「絶対に行くよ！」
"Are you coming to the party?" "Absolutely!"
Used to stress that something is entirely true, without exception, or to the fullest degree. Often modifies adjectives or verbs.
Means "completely" or "perfectly". The most direct equivalent for "absolutely" when describing a state or action. Works in both positive and negative contexts.
その部屋は完全に静かだった。
The room was absolutely silent.
彼の説明は完全に間違っている。
His explanation is absolutely wrong.
Also means "completely" or "entirely". Very common and natural. Can be used with both positive and negative statements, but is especially frequent with negatives (see next meaning).
Often used for "absolutely" in the sense of "under no circumstances" or "definitely". Stronger than 完全に, implying an absolute, unconditional state. Common with negatives and commands.
絶対に忘れないでください。
Absolutely do not forget.
それは絶対に真実だ。
That is absolutely true.
Means "completely" or "thoroughly", often implying a change of state or that something is done to the fullest extent. Natural with verbs like 忘れる (forget) or 変わる (change).
Used to emphasize a negative statement, meaning "not in any way" or "not at all".
The most common pattern for "absolutely not". まったく combines with a negative verb or adjective to mean "not at all" or "completely not".
彼の言っていることはまったく理解できない。
I absolutely cannot understand what he's saying.
その映画はまったく面白くなかった。
That movie was absolutely not interesting.
Means "not at all". Very common in casual speech. While traditionally used only with negatives, it is sometimes used in positive sentences in very informal contexts, but for learners it's safest with negatives.
お金が全然ない。
I have absolutely no money.
Stronger than まったく, implying "under no circumstances". Often used for personal resolutions or prohibitions.
絶対に諦めない。
I absolutely will not give up.
Literally "not even a little". Emphasizes a complete lack of something. More emphatic than 全然.
彼の話は少しも信じられない。
I absolutely cannot believe his story.
Used to strengthen adjectives, similar to "extremely" or "incredibly". Often collocates with words like "wonderful", "ridiculous", "essential".
Means "really" or "truly". The most versatile and natural way to intensify adjectives in Japanese. Works in almost any context.
それは本当に素晴らしいアイデアだ。
That's an absolutely wonderful idea.
Means "very" or "extremely". Slightly more formal than 本当に. Common in written Japanese and polite speech.
Can also intensify adjectives, especially when expressing a strong judgment. Often used with words like ばかげている (ridiculous) or 無意味 (meaningless).
Both can translate "absolutely", but まったく focuses on completeness ("entirely"), while 絶対に emphasizes unconditionality ("no matter what"). Use まったく for "completely silent", and 絶対に for "absolutely must not".
部屋はまったく静かだ。
The room is absolutely quiet.
絶対に触らないで。
Absolutely do not touch.
While 絶対に can mean "absolutely", using it alone as an exclamation ("Absolutely!") can sound unnatural or overly dramatic. Stick with もちろん or その通りです for agreeing.
「今日は本当に暑いね。」「まったくだよ。」
"It's really hot today." "Absolutely."
それはまったく不可能だ。
That's absolutely impossible.
彼はまったく正しい。
He is absolutely right.
I had absolutely forgotten about the appointment.
これは非常に重要な問題です。
This is an absolutely crucial issue.
彼の提案はまったくばかげている。
His proposal is absolutely ridiculous.