全貌

• Reading: ぜんぼう
• Romaji: zenbou
• Kanji breakdown: 全 (zen) — whole, complete; 貌 (bou) — appearance, countenance
• Pronunciation: /zeɴ.boː/

Meaning

Full view; total picture; whole story; complete picture.

A noun meaning the complete picture or full extent of something. Used when referring to seeing or understanding something in its entirety, especially matters that are complex or partially hidden. Common in journalism and investigation contexts. Often appears in 全貌が明らかになる (the full picture becomes clear) or 全貌を把握する (to grasp the whole situation).

Examples

1. 事件の全貌はまだ明らかになっていない。 The full picture of the incident has not yet come to light.
2. 計画の全貌を把握してから判断したい。 I want to understand the full scope of the plan before making a judgment.
3. 調査を進めるうちに問題の全貌が見えてきた。 As the investigation progressed, the full extent of the problem became clear.

Usage Guide

Context: journalism, investigation, analysis

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 全貌. 全 (zen) means whole or complete, and 貌 (bou) means appearance or countenance. Together they describe the full appearance or complete picture of something.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated