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:

この液体の濃度は非常に高いです。

Kono ekitai no nōdo wa hijō ni takai desu

The concentration of this liquid is very high.

The concentration of this liquid is very high.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 液体 - Noun meaning "liquid"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between words
• 濃度 - noun that means "concentration"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very"
• 高い - adjective that means "high" or "elevated"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この物質の密度は非常に高いです。

Kono busshitsu no mitsudo wa hijō ni takai desu

The density of this substance is very high.

The density of this substance is very high.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 物質 - noun meaning "substance"
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 密度 - noun meaning "density"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very"
• 高い - adjective meaning "tall"
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

この芸術作品の形態は非常に珍しいです。

Kono geijutsu sakuhin no keitai wa hijō ni mezurashii desu

The form of this work of art is very unusual.

The form of this work of art is very rare.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 芸術作品 - compound noun meaning "work of art"
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 形態 - noun meaning "shape" or "configuration"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 珍しい - Adjective that means "rare" or "uncommon"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

このウェブサイトの構成は非常にシンプルです。

Kono webusaito no kōsei wa hijō ni shinpuru desu

The structure of this website is very simple.

Setting up this site is very simple.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• ウェブサイト - compound word that means "website"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 構成 - noun meaning "composition" or "structure"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• シンプル - adjective meaning "simple"
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

この製品の質は非常に高いです。

Kono seihin no shitsu wa hijō ni takai desu

The quality of this product is very high.

The quality of this product is very high.

• この - this
• 製品 - product
• の - of
• 質 - quality
• は - is
• 非常に - very
• 高い - high
• です - is (politeness)

このゲームの動作は非常にスムーズです。

Kono gēmu no dōsa wa hijō ni sumūzu desu

The movement of this game is very smooth.

• この (kono) - this
• ゲーム (geemu) - game
• の (no) - of
• 動作 (dousa) - Operation, functioning
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 非常に (hijou ni) - Very, extremely
• スムーズ (sumuuzu) - Smooth, fluid
• です (desu) - ser, estar (linking verb)
• . (ponto final)

この薬の効力は非常に高いです。

Kono kusuri no kouryoku wa hijou ni takai desu

The effect of this medicine is very high.

• この - this
• 薬 - medicine
• の - of
• 効力 - effectiveness
• は - is
• 非常に - very
• 高い - high
• です - is (politeness)

この製品の仕様は非常に高いです。

Kono seihin no shiyō wa hijō ni takai desu

The specifications of this product are very high.

• この - this
• 製品 - product
• の - of
• 仕様 - specifications
• は - is
• 非常に - extremely
• 高い - high
• です - is (polite way of putting it)

この評論は非常に興味深いです。

Kono hyōron wa hijō ni kyōmi fukai desu

This criticism is very interesting.

This critic is very interesting.

• この - indicates that the subject of the sentence is something close or related to the speaker
• 評論 - crítica, comentário ou análise sobre algo
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - Very, extremely
• 興味深い - interessante, fascinante
• です - verb to be in the polite form

この図表は非常に分かりやすいです。

Kono zuhyou wa hijou ni wakariyasui desu

This table is very easy to understand.

This chart is very easy to understand.

• この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
• 図表 - noun "chart, table"
• は - Topic particle
• 非常に - adverb "very"
• 分かりやすい - adjective "easy to understand"
• です - verb "ser/estar" in the polite form