Japanese word

非常

Pronunciation

Romajihijō

Meaning

  • nounemergency

Example

非常の際は、落ち着いて行動してください。hi jō no sai wa o chi tsu i te kō dō shi te ku da sa i

In an emergency, please stay calm and act.

Illustration for 非常 (emergency)

More examples

非常ベルが鳴ったので、先生の指示を聞きました。hi jō be ru ga na tta no de sen sei no shi ji o ki ki ma shi ta

The emergency bell rang, so I listened to the teacher's instructions.

Core concept

Centers on a situation outside the normal course of events that demands immediate attention or action.

Common phrases

  • 非常口hi jō kuchi

    emergency exit

  • 非常ベルhi jō be ru

    emergency bell

  • 非常事態hi jō ji tai

    emergency situation

  • 非常の際hi jō no sai

    in an emergency

Similar words

緊急事態kinkyūjitai: A situation that needs prompt action because delay can make the problem worse.
危機kiki: A dangerous or unstable situation that threatens safety, health, or important plans.

Definition in Japanese

急に起こり、すぐに対応する必要がある重大な事態。kyū ni o ko ri su gu ni tai ō su ru hitsu yō ga a ru jū dai na ji tai

Word origin

Combines 非 (hi, "not") and 常 (jō, "usual") to form 非常 (hijō, "extraordinary"), which came to refer to an emergency or other abnormal situation.

Usage tips

  • On Japanese safety signs, 非常口 (hijōguchi) identifies the exit to use during an emergency.

Word lists with this word