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    全然わからない (zenzen wakaranai) - don't understand at all

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    casual to neutral

    How it works

    This expression combines the intensifying negative adverb 全然 (zenzen) with the negative form of the verb わかる (wakaru, to understand). 全然 emphasizes the complete lack of understanding. It is generally used with negative predicates to mean 'not at all' or 'not in the least'.

    Sample sentences

    先生の説明が早すぎて、全然わからない。

    The teacher's explanation was too fast; I don't understand it at all.

    この問題は難しすぎて、私には全然わからない。

    This problem is too difficult; I completely don't get it.

    彼が何を言っているのか、私には全然わからない。

    I have no idea what he's talking about.

    Quick facts

    usage_note:While 全然 (zenzen) classically requires a negative predicate, in casual modern Japanese, it is sometimes heard with positive predicates for emphasis, though this is considered grammatically informal. For example, 全然わかる (zenzen wakaru) meaning 'I totally understand' is used, but 全然わからない (zenzen wakaranai) is the standard and widely accepted form for 'not understanding at all'.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    先生の説明が早すぎて、全然わからない。

    The teacher's explanation was too fast; I don't understand it at all.

    この問題は難しすぎて、私には全然わからない。

    This problem is too difficult; I completely don't get it.

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