全然読む

To use this correctly, you need the negative form. Say 全然読まない (zenzen yomanai) for general habits. Use 全然読んでいない (zenzen yonde inai) for a specific book right now. If you are talking to a teacher, use 全然読みません (zenzen yomimasen). The word 全然 acts like a giant multiplier for the negative. It turns 'not reading' into 'absolutely zero reading.' You can place it right before the verb. It is very flexible in a sentence. You might say, 'I have a test, but 全然読まない.' It sounds a bit dramatic, which is perfect for venting to friends. Just remember: no negative, no 'not at all' meaning!

Use this when you are being honest about your laziness. It is great for when a friend asks if you read their long text. It is perfect for when you bought a book three years ago. You can use it at a restaurant if you cannot read the menu. 'This kanji? 全然読めない!' (I can't read this at all!). It is a very common way to express frustration. Use it when you want to emphasize that you are starting from zero. It is also a good way to set expectations. 'Don't ask me about the news; I 全然読まない.'

Do not use this if you have read even a little bit. If you read the first page, 全然 is too strong. Instead, use 'amari' (not much). Avoid using the slang version (全然 + positive) in formal writing. Your boss might think you are being too casual. Also, do not use it if you are trying to be polite about someone's writing. Saying 'I 全然 didn't read your essay' sounds a bit harsh. It is better to say you were busy. Keep this phrase for your close friends or your own self-deprecation. It is a 'brutally honest' kind of expression.

Historically, 全然 was strictly for negative sentences. It was the 'not at all' word. But language is alive and likes to change. Around the 2000s, young people started using it for positive emphasis. They started saying things like 全然いい (zenzen ii) for 'totally fine.' This drove older generations crazy for a while. Now, it is widely accepted in casual speech. However, the 'not at all' meaning is still the foundation. It reflects a Japanese tendency to use extreme modifiers for emphasis. Whether you are 'totally' doing something or 'not at all' doing it, 全然 is your best friend.

• 全然読まない (Zenzen yomanai): I don't read at all (habit).
• 全然読んでない (Zenzen yondenai): I haven't read it yet (specific).
• 全然読めない (Zenzen yomenai): I can't read it at all (ability).
• 全然読みたくない (Zenzen yomitakunai): I don't want to read it at all (desire).