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JLPT N1 Very formal / literary

~zukume

Denotes 'entirely' or 'nothing but' the preceding noun.

Formal, literary "entirely covered in/nothing but X" - describes a state entirely characterized by one quality (e.g. dressed all in black).

Formation

Explanation

「Noun + ずくめ」expresses that something consists entirely of that noun or is 'nothing but' that noun. It describes a situation with a predominance of one thing.

Example sentences

  • He has had nothing but failures recently.

    Kare wa saikin, shippai zukume da.

  • This winter has been nothing but snow, which is tough.

    Kono fuyu wa yuki zukume de taihen da.

  • His story was full of nothing but lies.

    Kare no hanashi wa uso zukume datta.

  • Today's work was nothing but constant busyness.

    Kyou no shigoto wa isogashisa zukume datta.

Totality (Entirely / Nothing Beats)