全然見る

Think of it as an intensifier for your enthusiasm. If a friend asks if you watch a certain YouTuber, you don't just say "Yes." You say 全然見る！ to show you're a fan. It is very common in spoken Japanese and texting. You are essentially replacing the traditional "not at all" with a "totally." It feels punchy, modern, and very "now." Just remember to keep the verb in its dictionary or casual form to match the vibe.

Use this when you're hanging out with friends. It is perfect for casual movie nights or Netflix suggestions. If someone asks, "Is this movie okay?" you answer 全然見る to say "Totally fine with me!" It works great in group chats too. It signals that you are easy-going and enthusiastic. It is the verbal equivalent of a double-tap like on Instagram.

Avoid this in formal settings or with superiors. Your boss might find it a bit too "slangy" or even grammatically incorrect. In a job interview, stick to traditional grammar like よく見ます (I watch it often). Don't use it in academic writing either. Older generations might still think it sounds "broken" or uneducated. It is a "cool kid" phrase, not a "polite office" phrase. Using it with your grandma might get you a confused look!

This is known as "Positive Zenzen" (Koutei Zenzen). It started gaining traction in the late 20th century among young people in Tokyo. Language purists hated it at first. They insisted 全然 must always end in a negative. But language is a living thing! Today, it is so common that even dictionaries have started to include the positive usage. It reflects the flexible, evolving nature of modern Japanese youth culture.

You will hear 全然大丈夫 (Zenzen daijoubu) everywhere. It means "It's totally okay" or "No problem at all." Another one is 全然いい (Zenzen ii), meaning "Totally fine." If you want to be extra, try 全然余裕 (Zenzen yoyuu). That means "It's a piece of cake" or "Totally easy." These all use that "Positive Zenzen" energy to emphasize a positive state.