全然食べる
not at all eat
Literalmente: zenzen (not at all/entirely) + taberu (eat)
Use it casually to show you're totally okay with eating something others might find challenging.
En 15 segundos
- Modern slang meaning 'totally down to eat' or 'completely fine.'
- Breaks traditional grammar rules that require a negative ending.
- Perfect for showing you aren't a picky eater with friends.
Significado
In modern casual Japanese, this phrase actually means 'I can totally eat this' or 'I have no problem eating this.' Even though it looks like it should be negative, it's a popular way to show you're enthusiastic or okay with a specific food.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6A friend asks if you can handle spicy ramen.
辛いもの？全然食べるよ！
Spicy food? I totally eat that!
Texting a friend who is offering you their extra pizza.
ピザ？全然食べる。今から行くね！
Pizza? I'll totally eat it. I'm coming over now!
A colleague asks if you like the smell of natto.
納豆、私は全然食べますよ。
Natto? I totally eat that, you know.
Contexto cultural
The shift of `zenzen` from a negative-only adverb to a positive intensifier is one of the most famous examples of 'language change' in modern Japan. While older generations might still view it as 'incorrect' grammar, it is ubiquitous in media, anime, and daily conversation among people under 50. It reflects a broader trend of simplifying the language to express enthusiasm.
The 'Zenzen' Rule of Thumb
If you are in a classroom, use `zenzen` with a negative. If you are at a bar with friends, use it with a positive to sound like a local!
The Grandma Test
Some older Japanese people still find the positive use of `zenzen` annoying or uneducated. Use it with people your own age to be safe.
En 15 segundos
- Modern slang meaning 'totally down to eat' or 'completely fine.'
- Breaks traditional grammar rules that require a negative ending.
- Perfect for showing you aren't a picky eater with friends.
What It Means
If you look at a textbook, it will tell you that zenzen must always be followed by a negative word, like tabenai (don't eat). But language is a living thing! In modern casual speech, zenzen has transformed into a booster that means "totally" or "completely." So, when you say 全然食べる (zenzen taberu), you aren't saying you won't eat; you're saying you're totally down to eat it. It’s the ultimate "don't worry about me" phrase for foodies.
How To Use It
You use this when someone is worried you might not like something or if they are asking for your preference. It’s like saying, "Oh, I'm perfectly fine with that!" You just take the word zenzen and put it right before the dictionary form of the verb taberu. It’s short, punchy, and very common among friends. Just remember, it’s a bit of a grammar-breaker, so it carries a very relaxed vibe.
When To Use It
Imagine you’re at a restaurant with Japanese friends. Someone orders a giant plate of spicy kimchi or maybe some pungent natto (fermented soybeans). They look at you nervously and ask, "Can you eat this?" That is your moment. You smile and say, 全然食べる! It reassures them that you aren't a picky eater and you're ready to dive in. It’s also great for texting when someone asks if you want the leftovers from their party.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in any situation where you need to sound professional. If you’re at a business dinner with a client and they offer you a local delicacy, stick to the formal itadakimasu or mondai arimasen (no problem). Using 全然食べる with a boss might make you sound like a teenager who just rolled out of bed. Also, don't use it if you actually *don't* want to eat the food—that would be a very confusing dinner for everyone involved!
Cultural Background
This is what linguists call a "re-evolution." Back in the Meiji era (late 1800s), zenzen was actually used with positive words to mean "entirely." Then, the grammar rules tightened up, and it became strictly negative for decades. In the 1990s and 2000s, young people in Tokyo started using it positively again. It’s a linguistic rebellion that became the norm! It shows how Japanese youth culture loves to play with the rigid rules of their language.
Common Variations
You’ll often hear zenzen ikeru, which means "I can totally go for that" or "I can handle it." Another big one is zenzen daijoubu, which is the gold standard for saying "I'm totally fine." If you want to be slightly more polite but still use the slang, you could say zenzen tabemasu, but even then, it’s still considered very casual because of the grammar shift.
Notas de uso
This is high-level casual slang. While technically 'incorrect' by traditional standards, it is the most natural way to express 'I'm totally down' in modern Japanese. Use only with friends or peers.
The 'Zenzen' Rule of Thumb
If you are in a classroom, use `zenzen` with a negative. If you are at a bar with friends, use it with a positive to sound like a local!
The Grandma Test
Some older Japanese people still find the positive use of `zenzen` annoying or uneducated. Use it with people your own age to be safe.
The 'Ikeru' Connection
If you want to sound even cooler, try `zenzen ikeru`. It literally means 'I can totally go,' but it's used to mean 'I can totally handle this food/drink.'
Ejemplos
6辛いもの？全然食べるよ！
Spicy food? I totally eat that!
The 'yo' at the end adds a friendly emphasis.
ピザ？全然食べる。今から行くね！
Pizza? I'll totally eat it. I'm coming over now!
Very casual and direct for texting.
納豆、私は全然食べますよ。
Natto? I totally eat that, you know.
Using 'tabemasu' makes it slightly softer but still maintains the slang usage.
え、いいの？全然食べる！
Wait, really? I'll totally eat it!
Shows excitement and lack of hesitation.
これ、すごく美味しいです。全然食べられます！
This is delicious. I can totally eat it!
Using the potential form 'taberareru' (can eat) with zenzen.
昔は嫌いだったけど、今は全然食べる。
I used to hate it, but now I totally eat it.
Contrasts past dislike with current total acceptance.
Ponte a prueba
Your friend asks if you want to try some weird-looking street food. How do you say 'I'll totally eat it'?
これ、___ 食べる？
`zenzen` is used here as a slang intensifier to mean 'totally.'
Which ending makes 'zenzen' grammatically traditional (meaning 'I do NOT eat it at all')?
全然 ___。
Traditionally, `zenzen` requires a negative verb like `tabenai` to mean 'not at all.'
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
The 'Zenzen' Formality Scale
Zenzen + Positive (Totally eat!)
全然食べる
Zenzen + Negative (Don't eat at all)
全然食べない
Mattaku + Negative (Strictly do not eat)
全く食べません
When to drop a 'Zenzen Taberu'
Spicy Food Challenge
I can handle the heat!
Free Leftovers
Don't throw that out!
Unusual Delicacies
I'm an adventurous eater.
Late Night Snacks
I'm always hungry.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot necessarily. It usually refers to your willingness or ability to eat something, like saying 'I'm totally okay with eating that' in general.
Probably not! Most teachers will correct you and say zenzen should be followed by a negative like tabenai. Save it for your friends.
Adding zenzen adds emphasis. It’s the difference between saying 'I eat it' and 'I totally eat it/I have no problem eating it at all.'
Yes! You can say 全然飲む (zenzen nomu) to mean 'I'm totally down to drink that' or 'I can drink a lot.'
Dictionaries usually focus on standard grammar. The positive use is considered 'slang' or 'informal speech,' even though it's very common.
It is gender-neutral! Anyone can use it in a casual setting.
You must use the negative form: 全然食べない (zenzen tabenai). This is the grammatically standard way to use zenzen.
Absolutely. 全然わかる (zenzen wakaru) means 'I totally get it,' and 全然大丈夫 (zenzen daijoubu) means 'It's totally fine.'
It’s not rude, but it is very 'young' and 'casual.' It’s like using 'totally' or 'super' in English—fine for friends, maybe not for a funeral.
Avoid zenzen with positive verbs. Instead, say nandemo itadakimasu (I will eat anything) or suki-kirai wa arimasen (I have no likes or dislikes).
Frases relacionadas
全然大丈夫
Totally fine / No problem at all
全然いける
I can totally do/eat/handle this
全然平気
I'm totally okay / It doesn't bother me
全然わかる
I totally understand / I totally get you
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