Entry
頓と
tonto
An adverb used with negative verbs to emphasize a complete lack of action, knowledge, or progress.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Tonto (とんと) is an adverb almost exclusively used with negative verbs to mean 'not at all' or 'completely'. It carries a slightly conversational or traditional flavor compared to the more standard 'mattaku' (全く).
- Not at all (with negative verbs)
- Completely (e.g., forgotten)
Sense Map
Total Lack (with Negation)
Used with a negative verb to show that an action, understanding, or event does not happen at all.
彼の気持ちがとんとわからない。
Complete Forgetting
Used with verbs like 'to forget' to emphasize that a memory or thought is completely gone.
昔のことはとんと忘れた。
Usage Note
How to Use
とんと + [Negative Verb]
The most common usage. It acts like 'not at all', emphasizing the negative verb that follows.
とんと忘れる
とんと + [Phrase of Inability]
How to Use
Common Phrases
とんとわからない
do not understand at all
とんと忘れる
completely forget
とんと見かけない
do not see around at all
とんと見当がつかない
have absolutely no idea
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| When you have absolutely no idea | neutral | Shows complete absence of knowledge, often carrying a slightly folksy or traditional feel compared to 'zenzen'. |
| When you completely forgot something | neutral | Implies the memory is wiped clean, similar to 'sukkari', but slightly more colloquial. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
さっぱり さっぱり / similar | When you want to express 'not at all' in modern conversation. | Both are followed by negative verbs, but 'さっぱり' is more commonly used today and focuses on the mind being blank, whereas 'とんと' has a slightly traditional feel. | さっぱりわからない。 |
すっかり すっかり / similar | When you want to say 'completely' with affirmative verbs. | 'すっかり' is used primarily with affirmative verbs to show a complete change of state, while 'とんと' is largely restricted to negative contexts or forgetting. | すっかり忘れた。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'tonto' with regular affirmative verbs to mean 'very'.
Except for a few specific verbs like 'forget', it must be followed by a negative verb.
Using 'tonto' in highly formal business documents.
It sounds a bit old-fashioned or conversational; use 'mattaku' (全く) for strictly formal writing.
Examples
Examples
その話は、とんと聞いていない。
その はなし は、 とんと きいていない。
I haven't heard that story at all.
LiteralUsed with 'kiite inai' (have not heard) to show that no information has been received at all.
彼の気持ちがとんとわからない。
かれ の きもち が とんと わからない。
I don't understand his feelings at all.
LiteralThe most common usage, paired with 'wakaranai' (do not understand).
昔のことは、とんと忘れてしまった。
むかし の こと は、 とんと わすれてしまった。
I have completely forgotten about the past.
FigurativeAn exception where it is used with the affirmative verb 'wasureta' (forgot).
最近、彼を街でとんと見かけない。
さいきん、 かれ を まち で とんと みかけない。
I haven't seen him around town at all lately.
LiteralDescribes the complete absence of seeing someone or something.
どうすればいいか、とんと見当がつかない。
どうすれば いい か、 とんと けんとう が つかない。
I have absolutely no idea what to do.
FigurativeOften used with the set phrase 'kentou ga tsukanai' (cannot guess or estimate).
Similar Words
さっぱり
sappari
Describes a clean and unburdened state, such as feeling refreshed, having a light taste, or completely lacking something when used with a negative verb. Also means 'not at all' with negative verbs, but is more common in modern speech.
すっかり
sukkari
Indicates that a state has changed 100% or that an action has been carried out with absolutely nothing left behind. Means 'completely', but mostly used in affirmative sentences.
ころっと
korotto
Describes a sudden, complete, and effortless change of state, such as completely forgetting something, being easily deceived, or falling asleep instantly.
Questions
Can I use 'tonto' instead of 'zenzen'?
Yes, in negative sentences they have a similar meaning ('not at all'). However, this word is less common in modern slang and sounds slightly more traditional.
Does it always require a negative verb?
Usually, yes. The main exception is when used with verbs meaning 'to forget' (like wasureru), where it means 'completely'.
Is it considered polite language?
It is a neutral vocabulary word. It's not inherently impolite, but because of its conversational feel, it's better to use 'mattaku' in strict formal business settings.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2097060
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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