22 Japanese ways to say “Totally”

There’s something so satisfying about saying “totally” in a way that fits perfectly with the vibe of your conversation. Whether you want to sound casual, polite, or super native-like, Japanese has a bunch of fun ways to get that meaning across.

In this list, we’re diving into 22 different Japanese expressions that mean “totally.” Some are perfect for chatting with friends, others work great in more formal situations, and a few just sound cool and natural.

Knowing these phrases not only boosts your vocab but also helps you understand the nuances of how Japanese speakers express certainty and enthusiasm.

By the end, you’ll have plenty of options to sprinkle into your Japanese conversations, making you sound more fluent and natural.

Plus, learning these can be a small but powerful step toward feeling confident in your Japanese skills.

Ready to find your favorite way to say “totally”? Let’s jump in!

Understanding the Nuances of “Totally” in Japanese

Before we jump into the list, it’s good to know that Japanese doesn’t have a one-to-one word for “totally.”

Instead, speakers use different words or phrases depending on the situation, tone, and level of formality. Some express agreement, others emphasize completeness or certainty.

So, keep an open mind as you explore these phrases—they’re all “totally” in their own special way.

Sometimes, a handy language learning guide can help you navigate these subtle differences and practice effectively.

With that, here’s Part 1—casual, everyday ways to say “totally.”

They’re great for chatting with friends or keeping things light and fun.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. まったく (Mattaku) – “Totally, completely”

“Mattaku” is a classic and straightforward way to say “totally” or “completely.”

It’s used to emphasize agreement or to stress that something is fully true. For example, “Mattaku sou da ne” means “That’s totally right.”

It’s easy to remember because it sounds like “mat-tah-koo” (MAH-tah-koo), which feels punchy and definite.

People often use it to show strong agreement or surprise.

Just be careful not to overuse it, as it can sound a bit formal or stiff in casual chats.

Pair it with casual tone and you’ll sound confident and clear.

2. ぜったいに (Zettai ni) – “Absolutely, definitely”

“Zettai ni” means “absolutely” or “definitely,” which nails the “totally” vibe perfectly.

It’s pronounced “zet-tai-nee” (ZET-tie knee). “Zettai” alone can also work.

This phrase is great for expressing strong certainty, like “Zettai ni ikimasu” (“I will totally go”).

It’s a bit stronger than “mattaku” and very common in everyday speech.

Keep this one in your back pocket for when you want to sound sure and enthusiastic.

It’s a favorite for native speakers and learners alike.

3. ほんとうに (Hontou ni) – “Really, truly”

“Hontou ni” means “really” or “truly,” and it’s often used to emphasize sincerity or truth.

Pronounced “hon-toh nee” (HON-toe knee), it adds warmth to your “totally” moments.

It’s less forceful than “zettai ni” but still very clear and genuine.

You’ll hear it a lot in daily conversation, like “Hontou ni arigatou” (“Thank you so much”).

Use it to sound heartfelt and honest, perfect for friendly chats.

It’s a versatile phrase worth practicing.

4. バッチリ (Bacchiri) – “Perfectly, totally”

“Bacchiri” is a fun, casual way to say “totally” or “perfectly done.”

Pronounced “batch-ee-ree” (BAH-chee-ree), it carries a confident, upbeat tone.

Great for saying things like “Bacchiri da ne” (“Totally nailed it!”).

It’s often used to celebrate success or when something is just right.

Try this when you want to sound lively and positive.

It’s a favorite among younger speakers and in relaxed settings.

5. すっかり (Sukkari) – “Completely, totally”

“Sukkari” means “completely” or “totally,” often used to describe a full change or completion.

Pronounced “suk-kah-ree” (SOOK-kah-ree), it’s casual but clear.

For example, “Sukkari wasureta” means “I totally forgot.”

It’s great for expressing how something is fully done or finished.

Use it in everyday conversation to sound natural and relatable.

It’s a handy word for storytelling or sharing experiences.

6. がっつり (Gattsuri) – “Firmly, totally”

“Gattsuri” conveys the idea of doing something “totally” or “firmly,” often with energy.

Pronounced “gat-tsu-ree” (GUTS-ree), it sounds strong and vibrant.

It’s often used for eating, working, or focusing hard, like “Gattsuri taberu” (“Eat totally/heartily”).

Great to show enthusiasm or commitment.

It’s a cool way to add energy to your sentences.

Try it when you want to sound lively and engaged.

7. びったり (Bittari) – “Exactly, totally”

“Bittari” means “exactly” or “totally fitting,” perfect for emphasizing precision.

Pronounced “bit-tah-ree” (BIT-tah-ree), it has a neat and tidy feel.

Use it when something fits perfectly or matches completely, like “Bittari fit shimashita” (“It fit totally”).

It’s a subtle but strong way to say “totally” in a precise context.

Great for casual conversation or when talking about things fitting or matching.

It’s a neat little word to add to your toolkit.

8. ぜんぜん (Zenzen) – “Totally (used colloquially)”

Traditionally “zenzen” meant “not at all,” but modern casual Japanese uses it to mean “totally” or “completely,” especially among young people.

Pronounced “zen-zen” (ZEN-zen), it’s easy to say and very common.

For example, “Zenzen sugoi!” means “Totally amazing!”

It’s casual and energetic, perfect for informal chats.

Just be mindful of context, since it’s a bit slangy.

Great for sounding youthful and natural.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 完全に (Kanzen ni) – “Completely, totally”

“Kanzen ni” is a polite way to say “completely” or “totally,” often found in formal contexts.

Pronounced “kan-zen nee” (KAN-zen knee), it sounds respectful and clear.

Perfect for business or polite conversation, like “Kanzen ni rikai shimashita” (“I totally understand”).

It adds weight without sounding pushy.

Use it to express certainty professionally.

It’s a key phrase for formal settings.

10. まったくその通りです (Mattaku sono toori desu) – “That’s totally right” (formal)

This phrase means “That’s totally right” in a polite way, perfect for formal agreement.

“Mattaku” means “totally,” “sono toori” means “that way,” and “desu” adds politeness.

It’s pronounced “mat-tah-koo so-no toe-ree dess” (MAH-tah-koo SOH-no TOE-ree dess).

Use it to express total agreement respectfully.

Great for meetings or polite discussions.

It shows you’re serious and respectful.

11. 確かに (Tashika ni) – “Certainly, definitely”

“Tashika ni” means “certainly” or “definitely,” used in polite conversation.

Pronounced “ta-shee-ka knee” (TAH-shee-kah knee), it sounds calm and confident.

It’s often used to confirm or agree seriously, like “Tashika ni sou desu” (“That’s definitely so”).

It’s less forceful but very clear and respectful.

Use it to sound polite and sure.

Good for professional or formal settings.

12. 間違いなく (Machigai naku) – “Without a doubt, totally”

“Machigai naku” means “without a mistake” or “without a doubt,” perfect for strong certainty.

Pronounced “ma-chee-gai nah-koo” (MAH-chee-guy NAH-koo), it’s polite but firm.

Use it to express total confidence, like “Machigai naku sou da” (“That’s totally true”).

It’s a bit formal but very natural.

Great for serious conversations or formal writing.

It adds clear emphasis in professional settings.

13. 十分に (Jūbun ni) – “Fully, totally”

“Jūbun ni” means “fully” or “sufficiently,” a polite way to express “totally.”

Pronounced “joo-boon nee” (JOO-boon knee), it’s smooth and clear.

Used to show completeness or adequacy, like “Jūbun ni renshū shimashita” (“I practiced totally/enough”).

It’s polite and commonly used in formal and informal contexts.

Try it when you want to sound balanced and respectful.

It’s a versatile phrase for many settings.

14. 断然 (Danzen) – “Definitely, totally”

“Danzen” means “definitely” or “absolutely,” often used to emphasize strong preference or certainty.

Pronounced “dan-zen” (DAN-zen), it sounds decisive and clear.

Great for statements like “Danzen kore ga ii” (“This is totally better”).

It’s a bit formal but common in both spoken and written Japanese.

Use it for confident opinions or decisions.

It adds weight and clarity politely.

15. まさに (Masani) – “Exactly, totally”

“Masani” means “exactly” or “precisely,” a polite and refined way to say “totally.”

Pronounced “ma-sa-nee” (MAH-sah-nee), it sounds smooth and elegant.

Use it when you want to say something is exactly right or totally fitting.

It’s common in formal writing and polite speech.

Example: “Masani sou desu” (“That’s exactly right”).

Try it to sound polished and precise.

16. まるっきり (Marukkiri) – “Completely, totally”

“Marukkiri” means “completely” or “totally,” often used to emphasize thoroughness.

Pronounced “ma-roo-kkee-ree” (MAH-roo-kkee-ree), it’s casual yet clear.

For example, “Marukkiri chigau” means “It’s totally different.”

It’s common in both spoken and informal writing.

Use it when you want to emphasize a full change or difference.

It sounds natural and expressive.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. ガチで (Gachi de) – “For real, totally”

“Gachi de” is a super casual, slangy way to say “totally” or “for real.”

Pronounced “ga-chee deh” (GAH-chee deh), it’s popular among younger people.

Use it when you want to sound cool and natural, like “Gachi de sugoi!” (“Totally amazing!”).

It’s informal and energetic.

Perfect for casual chats or social media.

Try it to sound like a native speaker in relaxed settings.

18. めっちゃ (Meccha) – “Super, totally”

“Meccha” is a Kansai dialect word widely used to mean “super” or “totally.”

Pronounced “met-cha” (MET-cha), it’s informal and very common in casual speech.

For example, “Meccha ii!” means “Totally good!”

It adds a fun, lively vibe to your speech.

Great for sounding friendly and approachable.

Use it often with friends or in casual conversations.

19. ほんまに (Honma ni) – “Really, totally” (Kansai dialect)

“Honma ni” is the Kansai dialect version of “hontou ni,” meaning “really” or “totally.”

Pronounced “hon-mah nee” (HON-mah knee), it’s casual and regional.

Use it to add local flavor and sound very natural in Kansai areas.

Example: “Honma ni sugoi!” (“Totally amazing!”)

It’s friendly and informal.

Try this one if you want to sound like a native Kansai speaker.

20. まじで (Maji de) – “Seriously, totally”

“Maji de” means “seriously” or “totally,” a super common casual phrase.

Pronounced “mah-jee deh” (MAH-jee deh), it’s energetic and informal.

Use it to express shock, excitement, or strong agreement.

Example: “Maji de sugoi!” (“Totally amazing!”)

It’s a must-know for casual, everyday Japanese.

Perfect for sounding spontaneous and real.

21. ばっちり (Bacchiri) – “Perfectly, totally” (casual)

“Bacchiri” is often used in casual speech to mean “totally” or “perfectly.”

Pronounced “batch-ee-ree” (BAH-chee-ree), it’s upbeat and positive.

Use it when something is just right or totally successful.

Example: “Bacchiri da yo!” (“It’s totally perfect!”)

It’s friendly and enthusiastic.

Great for casual conversations and celebrations.

22. めちゃくちゃ (Mechakucha) – “Totally, completely”

“Mechakucha” means “totally” or “completely,” often with a sense of chaos or exaggeration.

Pronounced “me-cha-ku-cha” (MEH-chah-koo-chah), it’s very casual and expressive.

It’s great for saying “Mechakucha omoshiroi!” (“Totally funny!” or “Hilarious!”)

Use it to add excitement or exaggeration in informal chats.

It’s a fun phrase to show strong feelings.

Try it to sound lively and spontaneous.

Concluding Thought

Exploring these 22 ways to say “totally” in Japanese shows just how rich and varied the language is when it comes to expressing certainty and enthusiasm.

Whether you choose casual, polite, or native-like expressions, each phrase adds a new flavor to your conversations and helps you connect more deeply with Japanese speakers.

So, keep practicing, try them out in your daily chats, and enjoy the journey of sounding more natural and confident in Japanese!