絶対
zettai
The English phrase "absolute" translates to Japanese as 絶対 (zettai).
絶対 is used to describe something as complete or unmitigated. In colloquial speech, it is frequently used as an adverb meaning "absolutely" or "definitely" to express strong conviction. For a more formal way to convey the sense of something being absolute, unchanging or immutable, you may use 不変.
Meaning: complete, unmitigated (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to use 絶対 as an adjective to modify a noun, it often takes the suffix 的な to become 絶対的な. If you are using the word as a predicate to say that something "is absolute," it is typically followed by the copula だ or です. To use the word as an adverb (for example, to say "I will absolutely go"), add the particle に to the end to form 絶対に.
How do you pronounce it?
zettai
Did you know?
- The term 絶対 is actually a modern creation, coined by the philosopher Inoue Tetsujirō in 1881 to translate the English concept of 'absolute' into Japanese.
- In casual conversation, 絶対 is often used as a strong 'no' or 'never' when paired with a negative verb, functioning as a powerful emphatic.
- Using 絶対 in a promise can sometimes be seen as overly aggressive or unrealistic in high-context Japanese social settings.
Examples in context
- 私の命令は絶対だ。My orders are absolute.This sentence demonstrates using 絶対 as a predicate.Tatoeba #162529 by bunbuku, translation #251985 by Dejo
- ルイ14世はフランス絶対王政の最盛期を現出し、「太陽王」と呼ばれた。Louis the 14th, known as the "Sun King", brought about the golden age of the French absolute monarchy.This sentence uses 絶対 in the context of an absolute monarchy.Tatoeba #2691502 by tommy_san, translation #2693501 by WestofEden
- 彼は絶対的な権力を持っている。He has absolute power.This sentence uses the attributive form 絶対的な to modify a noun.Tatoeba #103079 by Ianagisacos, translation #300614 by CK
- 絶対に成功するでしょう。You will definitely succeed.
- 物理法則は不変です。Physical laws are absolute.
- 彼女は絶対的なリーダーシップを持っています。She has absolute leadership.
- まったく同じ意見です。I completely agree.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are discussing a strict rule at their workplace.
- 蓮 Renこのルールは絶対だよ。Kono rūru wa zettai dayo.This rule is absolute.
- 結衣 Yui本当に例外はないの？Hontō ni reigai wa nai no?Are there really no exceptions?
- 蓮 Renああ、絶対に従わないといけない。Aa, zettai ni shitagawanai to ikenai.Yeah, you absolutely have to follow it.
- 結衣 Yuiわかった。気をつけるね。Wakatta. Ki o tsukeru ne.I understand. I'll be careful.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 絶対, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
