絶対に
zettai ni
The English word 'definitely' is translated into Japanese as 絶対に (zettai ni).
絶対に is used to express an absolute conviction. It is an emphatic affirmative adverb.
Meaning: An emphatic affirmative answer, of course (adv)
Which one should you use?
While 絶対に is the adverbial form used to modify verbs, the noun form 絶対 can be used directly to mean 'the absolute' or 'the certain' in certain contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
zettai ni
Did you know?
- While 絶対に means 'definitely' in affirmative sentences, it is also the standard way to say 'never' when paired with a negative verb.
- The term 絶対 originally comes from Buddhist philosophy, referring to the 'Absolute' or the ultimate reality of the universe.
- In many Japanese contexts, saying 絶対に in response to a request can actually signal that you are trying too hard to convince the listener, which may inadvertently create distrust.
Examples in context
- もう絶対にしないよ。I definitely won't do that again.Tatoeba #194043 by bunbuku, translation #569845 by CK
- 絶対に来た方がいいですよ。You should definitely come.Tatoeba #11953092 by bunbuku, translation #10807046 by CK
- 確かにそうです (Tashika ni sou desu)It is definitely so.
- 私は絶対に成功します (Watashi wa zettai ni seikou shimasu)I will definitely succeed.
- 絶対に行くよ (Zettai ni iku yo)I will definitely go.
- もちろん行くよ (Mochiron iku yo)Definitely, I'll go.
- 彼の提案は確かに素晴らしいです (Kare no teian wa tashika ni subarashii desu)His proposal is definitely excellent.
- この映画は絶対に面白いよ (Kono eiga wa zettai ni omoshiroi yo)This movie is definitely interesting.
- 明日のパーティーには絶対に参ります。Ashita no paatii ni wa zettai ni mairimasu.I will definitely attend the party tomorrow.
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are talking about a movie.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの映画、面白いと思う？Kono eiga, omoshiroi to omou?Do you think this movie is interesting?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、絶対に面白いよ！Un, zettai ni omoshiroi yo!Yeah, it's definitely interesting!
- 大翔 Hirotoじゃあ、明日一緒に見に行こうか。Jaa, ashita issho ni mi ni ikou ka.Then, shall we go see it together tomorrow?
- 美咲 Misakiいいよ、行こう！Ii yo, ikou!Sure, let's go!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
