Translation and Meaning of: 決して - kesshite

The Japanese word 決して[けっして] is an adverb that carries significant weight in the Japanese language, often used to express emphatic or absolute negation. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in Japanese culture, understanding the use and context of this word can be essential to avoid misunderstandings. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is perceived in everyday Japanese life.

In addition to uncovering the translation and the most common uses of 決して, we will cover practical tips for memorizing it and situations in which it appears in Japanese media. If you have come across this word in animes, dramas, or songs, you will discover why it is so impactful. Let's start with the basics: what exactly does 決して mean?

Meaning and translation of 決して

決して is an adverb that is generally translated as "by no means," "never," or "absolutely not." It is used to reinforce a negation, making it clear that something will not happen under any circumstances. For example, if someone says "決して忘れない" (けっしてわすれない), it means "I will never forget" or "I absolutely will not forget."

What differentiates 決して from other negation adverbs, such as 全然(ぜんぜん) or 絶対に(ぜったいに), is its more formal and emphatic tone. While 全然 is more casual and 絶対に can be used in both positive or negative contexts, 決して appears almost exclusively in negative sentences to convey an unwavering certainty.

Origin and writing in kanji

The word 決して is composed of the kanji 決 (ketsu), which means "decision" or "to resolve," followed by the particle して. The kanji 決 also appears in other words such as 決定 (けってい, "decision") and 解決 (かいけつ, "solution"). This relationship with decision reinforces the idea of something that is firmly established, with no room for doubt.

Although it is written in kanji, 決して often appears in hiragana (けっして) in informal texts or when one wishes to soften the formality a bit. However, regardless of the writing, the meaning remains the same. It is worth noting that, unlike some Japanese words that have origins in loanwords, 決して is a native Japanese word, without direct influence from Chinese or other languages.

Cultural usage and frequency in everyday life

"決して" is not a word that appears frequently in casual conversations, but its use is quite common in formal speeches, promises, and solemn declarations. For example, politicians or public figures may use it to emphasize commitments, such as in "決して約束を破りません" (けっしてやくそくをやぶりません, "I will never break my promise").

In pop culture, 決して appears frequently in song lyrics and dramatic dialogues, especially in emotional moments. If you watch animes or dramas, you may have heard characters using this word in farewell scenes or oaths. This association with intense feelings helps to understand why it is so striking for native speakers.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 決して is to associate it with situations where a strong denial is necessary. Think of phrases like "決して諦めない" (けっしてあきらめない, "I will never give up") or "決して許さない" (けっしてゆるさない, "I will never forgive"). Repeating these constructions out loud can help solidify the meaning.

Another tip is to pay attention to the context in which the word appears. As it usually comes accompanied by a negative form of the verb (ending in -ない or -ません), identifying this pattern makes recognition easier. If you are constructing your own sentences, remember that 決して almost always requires a negative structure to make sense.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 決して (kesshite) - Never; no way (often used in negative contexts)
• 断じて (danjite) - In no way; absolutely (emphasizes a stronger negative)

決して

Romaji: kesshite
Kana: けっして
Type: adverb
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: Never; no way

Meaning in English: never;by no means

Definition: There is no other reasonable option. It is absolutely recognized that this is the case.

Example Sentences - (決して) kesshite

See below some example sentences:

暴力は決して正当化されるべきではありません。

Bouryoku wa kesshite seitouka sareru beki de wa arimasen

A violência nunca deve ser justificada.

Violence should never be justified.

• 暴力 - violence
• は - Topic particle
• 決して - never, in any way
• 正当化 - justification, legitimation
• される - passive form of the verb "to do"
• べき - it should
• ではありません - formal denial of the polite form of "being"

決して諦めない。

Kesshite akiramenai

Never give up.

I will never give up.

• 決して - Never
• 諦めない - to give up

自殺は決して解決策ではありません。

Jisatsu wa kesshite kaiketsusaku de wa arimasen

Suicide is not a solution.

• 自殺 - suicide
• は - Topic particle
• 決して - never, in any way
• 解決策 - solution, answer
• ではありません - formal denial

辞めることは決して悪いことではありません。

Jimeru koto wa kesshite warui koto de wa arimasen

Leaving is not necessarily a bad thing.

It's not bad to go out.

• 辞めることは決して悪いことではありません。

- Unordered list tag
• - The tag of item of the list Leaving is never a bad thing. - Content of the item list
- Closure of the item list

- Closing of the unordered list