Translation and Meaning of: 非 - hi

Etymology and Definition of 「非」 (hi)

The word 「非」 (hi) in Japanese is a commonly used ideogram that carries the meaning of negation or contradiction. This kanji is often used to describe something undesirable or in opposition to something positive. The etymology of 「非」 traces back to Chinese characters, where it originally symbolized the idea of something incorrect or not meeting an established standard. In Chinese writing, the kanji can be decomposed into two symmetrical parts, symbolizing an idea of opposition or confrontation.

Use and Variations of the Word 「非」

In modern Japanese, 「非」 is used in various compound words that reinforce its negation function. Here are some common examples:

• "非常" (hijou) - means emergency or something extraordinary, clearly emphasizing the idea of not being common.
• "「非法」(hihou) - which means illegal or illegitimate, emphasizing the notion of something contrary to the law."
• "「非難」(hinan) - which denotes criticism or censure, conveying again the idea of contrariness."

The presence of the kanji 「非」 in certain words reinforces the sense of divergence from something that is considered standard or acceptable. The universality of the concept of negation causes this ideogram to find parallels in various languages, always filled with negative connotations.

Historical Origin and Cultural Significance

Historically, ideograms such as 「非」 have played a vital role in Japanese culture and language. The term has its roots deeply embedded in the philosophical and linguistic structure of Japan and China. Its function transcends simple negation, often linking to ethical and moral concepts that directly challenge the status quo or social expectations. In cultural contexts, this negation can symbolize resistance, reform, or the need for change, reflecting the social and political dynamics at key moments in Japanese history.

Therefore, by learning the word 「非」 and its applications, one acquires not only linguistic knowledge but also a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical nuances of Japan and the societies that influenced its formation. This introspection allows us to appreciate how a simple character can carry complex and culturally loaded meanings.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 非 (hi) - No, negative
• 非常 (hijou) - Extremely, very
• 違う (chigau) - Different, to err
• 違反 (ihan) - violation
• 違法 (ihou) - Illegal
• 不正 (fusei) - Irregular, unfair
• 不適 (futekisuru) - Inappropriate, improper
• 不適切 (futekisetsu) - Inappropriate, inadequate
• 不正確 (fuseikaku) - Incorrect, imprecise
• 不合格 (fugoukaku) - Inapt, failed
• 不合理 (fugouri) - Unreasonable
• 不備 (fubi) - Deficiency, failure
• 不完全 (fukanzen) - Incomplete
• 不十分 (fujubun) - Insufficient, little appropriate
• 不適当 (futekitou) - Inappropriate, improper
• 不適合 (futekigou) - Incompatible
• 不適宜 (futekigi) - Inappropriate

非

Romaji: hi
Kana: ひ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: defective-; no

Meaning in English: faulty-;non-

Definition: Not being what it is, not existing.

Example Sentences - (非) hi

See below some example sentences:

非難されることは辛いです。

Hinansareru koto wa tsurai desu

It's hard to be criticized.

It's hard to be blamed.

• 非難される - be criticized
• こと - thing
• は - Topic particle
• 辛い - Painful, difficult
• です - is

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.

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

非行は社会問題です。

Hikou wa shakai mondai desu

Delinquency is a social problem.

Delineations are social issues.

• 非行 (hikou) - inappropriate behavior, delinquency
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 社会 (shakai) - society
• 問題 (mondai) - problem
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

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"

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.

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.

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.

• 亜科 - Subfamily
• の - Possessive particle
• 生物 - Living being
• は - Topic particle
• 非常に - Very
• 興味深い - Interesting
• です - Verb "to be" in the present