Learning how to express the concept of “never” in Japanese can significantly enhance your language skills. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “never” in Japanese, including both formal and informal expressions. While regional variations are not extensive, we will touch upon them as needed. So, let’s dive in and discover the different ways to convey “never” in Japanese!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
1. 決して (けっして, kesshite)
The word “決して” means “never” in a formal context. It is a very strong expression of denial or refusal. It can be used to indicate that something will never happen, or to deny an action entirely.
Example:
彼は決してそれを許しません。
(Kare wa kesshite sore o yurushimasen.)
He will never forgive that.
私は決して彼に会わないでしょう。
(Watashi wa kesshite kare ni awanaideshou.)
I will never meet him.
彼女は決してあきらめません。
(Kanojo wa kesshite akiramemasen.)
She will never give up.
私たちは決して忘れないでしょう。
(Watashitachi wa kesshite wasurenaideshou.)
We will never forget.
決して諦めずに頑張りましょう。
(Kesshite akiramezu ni ganbarimashou.)
Let’s never give up and do our best.
Informal Expressions:
2. 一度も〜ない (いちども〜ない, ichido mo ~ nai)
This construction is commonly used in informal conversation to express “never.” The phrase “一度も” means “not even once”, and when combined with the negative form of a verb, it accentuates the meaning of never having done that particular action.
Example:
一度も行ったことがありません。
(Ichido mo itta koto ga arimasen.)
I have never been there.
彼は一度も手紙を書きませんでした。
(Kare wa ichido mo tegami o kakimasen deshita.)
He never wrote a letter.
一度も飛行機に乗ったことがありません。
(Ichido mo hikouki ni notta koto ga arimasen.)
I have never been on an airplane.
その映画、一度も見たことがありません。
(Sono eiga, ichido mo mita koto ga arimasen.)
I have never seen that movie.
一度も負けたことがない。
(Ichido mo maketa koto ga nai.)
I have never lost.
Regional Variations:
While regional variations for the term “never” are not prominent, there are a few expressions that can vary depending on the region or dialect. Here are a couple of examples:
3. ゼンゼン (zenzen)
In Kansai dialect, “ゼンゼン” is often used to mean “never” or “not at all.”
ゼンゼン分からん。
(Zenzen wakaran.)
I have no idea at all.
それはゼンゼン興味ない。
(Sore wa zenzen kyoumi nai.)
I have absolutely no interest in that.
ゼンゼンわかんねえよ。
(Zenzen wakannee yo.)
I don’t understand it at all.
ゼンゼンダメだと思う。
(Zenzen dame da to omou.)
I think it’s totally unacceptable.
Summary:
In summary, there are several ways to express “never” in Japanese, depending on the formality of the situation. In formal situations, “決して” (kesshite) is a strong and straightforward expression to convey never. In more informal contexts, “一度も〜ない” (ichido mo ~ nai) is commonly used to emphasize never having done an action before. Finally, regional variations like “ゼンゼン” (zenzen) exist mainly in the Kansai dialect. Remember, language is constantly evolving, and the context in which you will use these phrases will greatly influence their appropriateness.
So, practice these different expressions of “never” in various situations, and gradually become more comfortable with using them. Happy Japanese learning!
