絶対に
zettai ni
The English word "absolutely" can be expressed in Japanese using 絶対に (zettai ni).
絶対に means "absolutely" or "definitely." While it can be used in affirmative sentences to express absolute certainty, it is most commonly used alongside negative verbs to mean "definitely not" or "never."
Meaning: yes, certainly (intj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adverbial form 絶対に is created by adding the particle に to the noun 絶対, which means "absolute" or "certainty."
How do you pronounce it?
zettai ni
Did you know?
- The word 絶対 is composed of two kanji: one meaning 'cut' or 'sever' and one meaning 'limit'. It literally suggests a boundary that cannot be crossed.
- The nuance of 絶対に is so strong that using it in a professional setting to agree with a superior can sometimes come across as overly assertive or even confrontational. It carries a weight of personal conviction that can be startling in formal business environments.
- While 'absolutely' in English can be used as a one-word answer to say 'yes', simply saying 絶対に as a standalone response to a question can sound unnatural or incomplete to a Japanese ear. It usually requires a verb to follow it to sound polite.
Examples in context
- 絶対に確信ある？Are you absolutely sure?This sentence shows how to use 絶対に to express absolute certainty in a question.Tatoeba #8706019 by bunbuku, translation #2713496 by CK
- 絶対に泣くもんか！As if! I absolutely won't cry!This sentence demonstrates how 絶対に is used with a negative verb to express strong determination.Tatoeba #11099270 by small_snow, translation #12972953 by terrywallwork
- トムは絶対に間違った。Tom was absolutely wrong.This sentence shows how 絶対に can be used to indicate that someone was absolutely wrong.Tatoeba #10124125 by Ninja, translation #8412776 by CK
- 彼女の提案には絶対に賛成します。I absolutely agree with her proposal.
- このラーメン屋のラーメンはめっちゃ美味しいよ。The ramen at this ramen shop is absolutely delicious.
- あの映画、すごく面白かったよ。That movie was absolutely entertaining!
- 絶対にそうしましょう。Let's absolutely do that.
- 彼は絶対に成功します。He will absolutely succeed.
- その提案は絶対に受け入れられます。That proposal will absolutely be accepted.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are discussing a secret plan.
- 健太 Kenta誰にも言わないでくれる？Dare ni mo iwanaide kureru?Can you keep this a secret from everyone?
- 陽葵 Himari絶対に。心配しないで。Zettai ni. Shinpai shinaide.Absolutely. Don't worry.
- 健太 Kenta本当にいいんだよね？Hontō ni ii nda yo ne?You're really okay with that, right?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、絶対に大丈夫だよ。Un, zettai ni daijōbu da yo.Yeah, it's absolutely fine.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
