Japanese word

是非

Pronunciation

Romajizehi

Meaning

  • adverbdefinitely

Example

私は是非行きたいです。watashi wa ze hi i ki ta i de su

I definitely want to go.

Illustration for 是非 (definitely)

More examples

この機会に是非挑戦してみてください。ko no ki kai ni ze hi chō sen shi te mi te ku da sa i

Please take this opportunity to give it a try.

Core concept

Adds a firm positive stance to an action, showing that it is definitely wanted or approved.

Common phrases

  • 是非行きたいze hi i ki ta i

    definitely want to go

  • 是非参加してze hi san ka shi te

    be sure to participate

  • 是非来てze hi ki te

    Please come

Similar words

必ずkanarazu: States that an action occurs or is required without exception.
どうしてもdōshitemo: Expresses a strong need or wish to do something despite difficulty.
絶対にzettaini: Adds extreme certainty or firm insistence to a statement.

Definition in Japanese

相手への勧めや自分の希望を、実現させたいという強い気持ちで表す語。ai te e no susu me ya ji bun no ki bō o jitsu gen sa se ta i to i u tsuyo i ki mo chi de arawa su go

Word origin

是非 (zehi) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 是 (ze, "right") and 非 (hi, "wrong"), and its meaning developed from "right and wrong" to a strong affirmative sense.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 是非お越しください (zehi o okoshi kudasai) uses 是非 (zehi) to make an invitation especially strong and polite.

Other meanings

  • by all meansadverb

Word lists with this word