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

Related words

妙

myou

Strange; unusual

非

defective-; no

甚だ

hanahada

very; greatly; extremely

甚だしい

hanahadashii

extreme; excessive; terrible; intense; serious; severe; tremendous; heavy (damage)

能

nou

talent; gift; function; no kidding

相当

soutou

adequate; fair; bearable; appropriate

凄い

sugoi

terrible; horrible; incredible; surprising; excellent; wonderful; largely

極めて

kiwamete

overly; extremely

緊急

kinkyuu

urgent; pressing; emergency

大いに

ooini

very; quite; enormously

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.

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How to Write in Japanese - (非常) hijyou

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (非常) hijyou:

Example Sentences - (非常) hijyou

See below some example sentences:

描写は小説や詩において非常に重要な要素です。

Miyashou wa shousetsu ya shi ni oite hijou ni juuyou na youso desu

The description is a very important element in novels and poems.

Description is a very important factor in novels and poems.

描写 (byousha) - Description
小説 (shousetsu) - romance, fiction
詩 (shi) - poetry
において (ni oite) - in, within
非常に (hijou ni) - extremely
重要な (juuyou na) - important
要素 (yousu) - element
です (desu) - is

この建物の構造は非常に堅牢です。

Kono tatemono no kōzō wa hijō ni kenrō desu

The structure of this building is very robust.

この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one";
建物 - noun meaning "building";
の - particle indicating possession or belonging;
構造 - noun meaning "structure";
は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence;
非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely";
堅牢 - adjective meaning "robust" or "resistant";
です - verb "to be" in the polite and formal form.

非常に美しい景色ですね。

Hijou ni utsukushii keshiki desu ne

The landscape is very beautiful

It is a very beautiful landscape.

非常に - adverb meaning "very"
美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
景色 - noun meaning "landscape"
です - Verb "to be" in polite form
ね - particle indicating confirmation or seeking confirmation

切開手術は非常に重要です。

Sekkai shujutsu wa hijō ni jūyō desu

Cutting surgery is very important.

Copple surgery is very important.

切開手術 - incision surgery
は - Topic particle
非常に - extremely
重要 - important
です - Verb "to be" in polite form

今日の会見は非常に重要です。

Kyou no kaiken wa hijou ni juuyou desu

Today's conference is very important.

今日の会見 - today's meeting
は - Topic particle
非常に - extremely
重要 - important
です - Verb to be/estar in the present

今日の会談は非常に建設的でした。

Kyou no kaidan wa hijou ni kensetsu teki deshita

Today's lecture was very constructive.

今日の会談 - "Kyou no kaidan" means "today's meeting" in Japanese.
は - "Wa" is a grammatical particle in Japanese that indicates the topic of the sentence.
非常に - "Hijouni" means "a lot" or "extremely" in Japanese.
建設的 - "Kensetsuteki" means "constructive" in Japanese.
でした - "Deshita" is a polite past form of the verb "to be" in Japanese.

亜科の生物は非常に興味深いです。

Akabutsu no seibutsu wa hijō ni kyōmibukai desu

The organisms of the Akabutsu subfamily are very interesting.

Sarquic creatures are very interesting.