Translation guide
The English phrase "all around" has several distinct meanings. This guide breaks them down into practical uses and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Describing something that is on all sides or everywhere in an area.
Used for physical surroundings, meaning 'all around' or 'everywhere in the vicinity'.
公園の周り中に花が咲いている。
Flowers are blooming all around the park.
Literally 'four directions, eight sides', meaning in every direction. Often used for spreading or scattering.
鳥が四方八方に飛び立った。
The birds flew off in all directions.
Means 'here and there' or 'all over the place', implying scattered in various spots.
部屋のあちこちに本が置いてある。
There are books placed all around the room.
Describes something encircling or surrounding, often used with verbs like 囲む (surround).
家の周りをぐるりと塀が囲んでいる。
A fence goes all around the house.
Describing a person or thing that is good at many things or covers all areas.
Means 'all-purpose' or 'versatile'. Used for people, tools, or skills.
彼は万能な選手だ。
He is an all-around player.
Literally 'can do anything', a natural way to say someone is all-around capable.
彼は本当に何でもできる人だ。
He is truly an all-around capable person.
Used to summarize a situation or give a general assessment.
Means 'overall' or 'on the whole'. Commonly used in evaluations.
全体的に見て、この計画はうまくいっている。
All around, this plan is going well.
Formal/written expression meaning 'generally' or 'all in all'.
今年の業績は総じて良好だった。
This year's performance was good all around.
Indicating that something is distributed to or applies to all members of a group.
Means 'to everyone'. Use when something is given or applied to all people.
彼は全員にプレゼントをくれた。
He gave presents all around.
Casual equivalent of 全員に, meaning 'to everyone'.
お菓子をみんなに配った。
I handed out snacks all around.
Do not translate 'all around' word-for-word as すべての周り or similar. It rarely makes sense. Instead, choose the appropriate Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
Loanword from English, used in sports or describing a well-rounded person.
彼女はオールラウンドな才能を持っている。
She has all-around talent.
Emphasizes 'in every single aspect', often used in complaints or praise.
あの店は何から何まで完璧だ。
That store is perfect all around.