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:

この機械の性能は非常に高いです。

Kono kikai no seino wa hijō ni takai desu

The performance of this machine is very high.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that indicates proximity, equivalent to "this" or "this"
• 機械 - noun meaning "machine"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship of belonging
• 性能 - noun meaning "performance" or "performance"
• は - particle that indicates the main theme of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 高い - adjective that means "high" or "elevated"
• です - verb "to be" in the present affirmative

このシステムは非常に効率的です。

Kono shisutemu wa hijō ni kōritsu desu

This system is very efficient.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• システム - substantive that means "system"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 効率的 - efficient
• です - verb to be in the polite form

この事件は非常に深刻です。

Kono jiken wa hijō ni shinkoku desu

This incident is very serious.

This case is very serious.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 事件 - noun that means "incident" or "case"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 深刻 - adjective that means "serious" or "severe"
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is affirmative

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.

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