Meaning and Usage
"全滅" (ぜんめつ) means complete annihilation or total destruction. It is often used in serious contexts such as war, natural disasters, or situations where something is utterly wiped out.
Common Contexts
You will see "全滅" used to describe military defeat, natural disaster damage, or even figuratively when someone fails completely (e.g., in exams).
Collocations and Patterns
- 全滅する: to be completely annihilated or wiped out.
- 全滅状態: a state of total destruction.
- 全滅しないように: used to express the desire to avoid complete failure.
Register and Nuance
This word is formal and often used in news reports, serious conversations, or written language. It carries a strong sense of total loss or destruction.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "全滅" with partial defeat or failure. Remember, "全滅" means 100% destruction or failure, not just a large portion.