Translation guide
How to express 'the whole story' in Japanese, from full accounts to partial truths.
To refer to the entire narrative or all the facts of a situation.
A direct and natural way to say 'the whole story' or 'the entire story'.
彼は全ての話をしてくれた。
He told me the whole story.
Refers to the full picture or overall outline of a situation, often used in formal or written contexts.
事件の全貌が明らかになった。
The whole story of the incident came to light.
Means 'the whole story from beginning to end' or 'all the details', often used when recounting an event.
彼はその日の一部始終を話した。
He told the whole story of that day.
A somewhat literary expression meaning 'the circumstances' or 'how things happened', implying the full story.
事の次第を詳しく説明してください。
Please explain the whole story in detail.
To emphasize that there is more to the situation than what is apparent or what someone has said.
The truth or real facts of a matter. Often used when the whole story is not yet known or is being hidden.
真相を知りたい。
I want to know the whole story (the truth).
Literally 'the real part', used to ask for or state the actual situation, the whole story.
本当のところを教えて。
Tell me the whole story (what really happened).
The actual circumstances or real state of affairs, often used in formal contexts.
To conclude a narrative or emphasize that nothing more needs to be said.
A common way to say 'that's all there is to it' or 'that's the whole story'.
理由はそれだけのことだ。
That's the whole story behind the reason.
Used at the end of an explanation to mean 'that's the story' or 'that's how it is'.
そういうわけで遅刻したというわけだ。
So that's the whole story of why I was late.
The English phrase 'whole story' is often used idiomatically. Direct translations like 全体の話 (zentai no hanashi) can sound unnatural. Use the options above depending on context.
会社の実情は厳しい。
The whole story about the company is grim.