Translation and Meaning of: 非常 - hijyou

The word 「非常」 (hijou) is composed of two kanji characters: 「非」 and 「常」. In essence, 「非」 means "non" or "negation," while 「常」 means "regular" or "common." Together, these two particles form a concept that indicates something that is "uncommon," "extraordinary," or "out of the ordinary." The construction of the word clearly demonstrates how Japanese uses combinations of kanji to create terms with specific meanings that encapsulate complex ideas in simple sets of characters.

Originally, the expression 「非常」 was used to describe situations of abnormality or emergency, referring to events that deviate from the regular course of life. Over time, the word gained several nuances, functioning not only as an adjective for extraordinary situations but also in contexts of urgency or emergency, such as "emergency exit," which in Japanese is 「非常口」 (hijou-guchi).

In modern usage, 「非常」 can be found in various expressions and compositions. For example, in addition to 「非常口」, there are terms like 「非常事態」 (hijou jitai), which means "state of emergency," and 「非常に」 (hijou ni), which is an adverbial form used to intensify adjectives, meaning "extremely" or "very." The versatility of the word allows it to adapt to a variety of contexts, ranging from the description of urgent or extraordinary states to more everyday expressions.

Moreover, it is interesting to observe how 「非常」 fits into diverse cultural contexts. In environments like offices or in daily life in general, the term is readily recognized and understood due to its use in safety signs, such as in places where exits or emergency equipment are indicated. This everyday familiarity reflects the way Japanese people understand and integrate the concept of an exceptional state or care into their routine.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 緊急 (Kinkyū) - Urgent, immediate need
• 重大 (Jūdai) - Important, seriousness or gravity
• 大変 (Taihen) - Serious, very difficult or problematic.
• 極端 (Kyokutan) - Extreme, radical or severe situation
• 非常事態 (Hijōjitai) - State of emergency, critical situation

非常

Romaji: hijyou
Kana: ひじょう
Type: adverb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: emergency; extraordinary; unusual

Meaning in English: emergency;extraordinary;unusual

Definition: Emergency: Term used to describe urgent situations, such as emergencies or disasters.

Example Sentences - (非常) hijyou

See below some example sentences:

この地域の特産品は非常に美味しいです。

Kono chiiki no tokusanhin wa hijō ni oishii desu

Special products in this area are very delicious.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 地域 - noun meaning "region"
• の - possessive particle that indicates ownership or belonging
• 特産品 - compound noun that means "specialized product" or "typical product"
• は - topic particle indicating the main subject of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 美味しい - adjective that means "delicious" or "tasty"
• です - linking verb indicating the existence or state of something

この手法は非常に効果的です。

Kono shuhō wa hijō ni kōkateki desu

This technique is very effective.

This method is very effective.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 手法 - noun meaning "method" or "technique"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 効果的 - adjective that means "effective" or "efficient"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この断面は非常に滑らかです。

Kono danmen wa hijō ni subarashii desu

This cross section is very smooth.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 断面 - noun meaning "cross-section"
• は - topic particle, used to indicate the subject of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 滑らか - adjective meaning "soft" or "smooth"
• です - verb to be in the polite form

この製品の対応は非常に迅速でした。

Kono seihin no taiou wa hijou ni jinsoku deshita

The answer of this product was very fast.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 製品 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
• の - possessive particle that indicates that the previous noun is the possessor
• 対応 - noun that means "response" or "treatment"
• は - topic particle indicating that the preceding noun is the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 迅速 - adjective that means "fast" or "agile"
• でした - verb "to be" in the polite past

この建物の水準は非常に高いです。

Kono tatemono no suijun wa hijō ni takai desu

The level of this building is very high.

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one"
• 建物 - noun meaning "building" or "construction"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 水準 - noun meaning "level" or "standard"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 高い - adjective that means "high" or "elevated"
• です - verb ser/ estar in the present tense, indicating affirmation or politeness

作用は非常に重要です。

Sayou wa hijou ni juuyou desu

The action is very important.

• 作用 - noun that means "function" or "effect".
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 非常に - adverb that means "very" or "extremely".
• 重要 - adjective that means "important".
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and formal form.

睡眠は健康にとって非常に重要です。

Suimin wa kenkou ni totte hijou ni juuyou desu

Sleep is very important for your health.

• 睡眠 (suimin) - I am, I am deep, to sleep
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 健康 (kenkou) - health, state of health
• にとって (ni totte) - for, in relation to
• 非常に (hijou ni) - extremely, very
• 重要 (juuyou) - important, essential
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in the present tense

経済は国の発展にとって非常に重要です。

Keizai wa kuni no hatten ni totte hijō ni jūyō desu

The economy is very important for the country's development.

• 経済 - Economy
• は - Topic particle
• 国 - Country
• の - Possessive particle
• 発展 - Development
• にとって - For
• 非常に - Very
• 重要 - Important
• です - Verb to be (formal)