Translation and Meaning of: 是非 - zehi

The Japanese word 是非[ぜひ] is one of those terms that frequently appears in everyday conversations, animes, and even in formal situations. If you're studying Japanese, you may have encountered it — but do you know how to use it correctly? In this article, we'll explore its meaning, origin, and the contexts in which it arises, as well as tips to memorize it for good. Here at Suki Nihongo, our detailed dictionary helps you master nuances like this.

Meaning and use of 是非

是非 can be translated as "definitely," "certainly," or "in any case," depending on the context. It is a word that carries a tone of insistence or conviction, often used to emphasize an invitation or request. For example, in sentences like "是非来てください" (please, definitely come), it reinforces the desire for the action to take place.

Interestingly, 是非 can also appear in more neutral contexts, such as in "是非を問う" (to question the right and wrong). In this case, the kanjis 是 (right) and 非 (wrong) are interpreted literally, showing how the same writing takes on different meanings depending on the situation.

Origin and structure of kanjis

The composition of 是非 is simple but revealing. The kanji 是 represents "correct" or "true," while 非 means "wrong" or "negative." Together, they originally referred to judgments of right and wrong, a concept that dates back to classical Chinese. Over time, the usage evolved to express insistence or certainty, especially in invitations.

It’s worth noting that, although the kanjis have opposite meanings, the reading ぜひ does not have a direct relationship with this duality. This dissociation between writing and pronunciation is common in terms of Chinese origin adapted to Japanese, known as kango.

Tips for memorizing and using 是非

An effective way to reinforce 是非 is to associate it with invitation or encouragement situations. Think of phrases like "ぜひ試してみてください" (please, definitely try it), common in commercials and recommendations. This usage pattern frequently appears in stores, events, and even in anime dialogues, which helps internalize the word.

Another tip is to observe how native speakers use 是非 in real situations. In restaurants, for example, waiters may say "ぜひまたお越しください" (please do come again for sure). This courteous yet emphatic tone is a trademark of the word and makes it easier to identify in conversations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 必ずしも (kanarazushimo) - Not always; not necessarily.
• かならず (kanarazu) - Certainly; without fail.
• どうしても (doushitemo) - In any case; at all costs.
• 絶対に (zettai ni) - Absolutely; without a doubt.
• ぜひとも (zehitomo) - Certainly; definitely; a strong desire for something to happen.
• ぜひ (zehi) - Certainly; emphatically, a recommendation.
• きっと (kitto) - Certainly; surely; a strong belief that something is true.
• なんとしても (nantoshitemo) - No way; at all costs, a greater emphasis than どうしても.
• どうにかして (dounika shite) - Somehow; with some difficulty; it is dealt with one way or another.
• いかにも (ikanimo) - In fact; really; it contains an emphasis on the truthfulness of a statement.

是非

Romaji: zehi
Kana: ぜひ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: Certainly; unlucky

Meaning in English: certainly;without fail

Definition: A word that has a positive meaning.

Example Sentences - (是非) zehi

See below some example sentences:

是非とも参加してください。

Shihai tomo sanka shite kudasai

Please participate at all costs.

Please join us.

• 是非とも - expression that means "by all means," "in any way"
• 参加 - verb that means "to participate"
• してください - expression that means "please, do"

是非とも参加したいです。

Shihitsu tomo sanka shitai desu

I definitely want to participate.

• 是非とも - expression that means "in any way," "at all costs"
• 参加 - noun that means "participation"
• したい - the form of the verb "suru" (to do) in the present tense and in the desire to do something means "to want to do"
• です - sentence-final particle that indicates respect and politeness