Translation guide
Expresses that nearly everything or everyone in a group is included. Japanese uses different constructions depending on whether you are talking about things, people, or time, and whether the statement is positive or negative.
To say that nearly everything in a category or group is included.
The most common and versatile way to say 'almost all'. Can be used as a noun or adverb. Often followed by の + noun or directly modifies a verb.
ほとんどの人が賛成した。
Almost all people agreed.
宿題はほとんど終わった。
I've finished almost all of my homework.
Slightly more formal/literary than ほとんど. Emphasizes 'nearly everything'.
ほぼすべての店が閉まっていた。
Almost all the shops were closed.
Means 'the greater part' or 'most'. Often used in more formal or written contexts.
参加者の大半は学生だった。
Almost all of the participants were students.
To say that nearly every person in a group does something or is in a state.
Standard way to say 'almost all people'. 人 can be replaced with other nouns like 学生, 社員, etc.
ほとんどの人がスマホを持っている。
Almost all people have a smartphone.
Casual 'everyone' or 'all'. In context, can mean 'almost all' when not literally 100%.
みんなその映画を見た。
Almost everyone saw that movie.
To say that something happens nearly all the time.
Literally 'almost always'. The most natural way to express frequency.
彼はほとんどいつも遅刻する。
He is late almost all the time.
Means 'usually' or 'most of the time'. Slightly less than 100% but often used for 'almost all the time'.
週末はたいてい家にいる。
I'm at home almost all weekends.
To say that almost none of something exists or happens.
The standard pattern for 'almost no...' or 'hardly any'. The verb/adjective must be negative.
お金がほとんどない。
I have almost no money. (lit. Money is almost all not.)
彼はほとんど食べない。
He eats almost nothing.
Avoid direct translations like ほとんどすべての (which is acceptable but less common) or 近いすべて (incorrect). Use ほとんど as the default.
ほとんどの日本人は米を食べる。
Almost all Japanese people eat rice.
ほとんど is the most common and neutral. ほぼすべて is more emphatic and slightly formal. 大半 is often used in news or reports and implies a majority, not necessarily 'almost all'.
ほとんどの学生が合格した。
Almost all students passed. (neutral)
ほぼすべての学生が合格した。
Nearly all students passed. (emphatic)
学生の大半が合格した。
The majority of students passed. (formal)