決して
kesshite[ke̞ɕːi̥te̞]with negation
The English word "never" can be translated into Japanese as 決して (kesshite). Wiktionary also lists 何時でも (itsudemo) and 万々 (manman).
Meaning: at no time (adv)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 決して | kesshite | [ke̞ɕːi̥te̞] (narrow) | with negation |
| 何時でも | itsudemo | ||
| 万々 | manman | ||
| 全く | mattaku | [ma̠t̚ta̠kɯ̟] (narrow) |
決して is used to express strong determination or a firm prohibition, conveying the sense of "at no time".
Which one should you use?
While 決して means "never" in a strong, emphatic sense, 全く is used to mean "not at all" or "completely not" when it is paired with a negative.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 決して must be paired with a negative verb form to function as "never".
How do you pronounce it?
kesshite
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use 決して with an affirmative verb. It requires a negative verb to correctly express the meaning of "never".
Did you know?
- The word 決して actually comes from the verb meaning 'to decide'. It literally carries the nuance of something being 'decidedly' or 'resolutely' not happening.
- While 決して is used for a strong 'never', using it in a casual conversation with friends can sound overly dramatic, as if you are making a solemn vow or a theatrical declaration.
- In some contexts, if you want to say 'never' regarding a frequency of occurrence, like 'I never go there', Japanese speakers often prefer using 一度も (ichido mo) which means 'not even once' instead of 決して.
Examples in context
- 嘘は決してつくな！Never tell a lie!This sentence is useful for practicing a strong command using 決して.Tatoeba #189506 by small_snow, translation #26657 by CN
- トムは決して笑わない。Tom never laughs.This sentence shows how to use 決して to describe a habit or characteristic.Tatoeba #3594873 by arnab, translation #3183727 by CK
- 決して愛を諦めないで。Never give up on love.This sentence demonstrates using 決して to express a firm encouragement or plea.Tatoeba #9314891 by small_snow, translation #2900781 by AlanF_US
- 彼は決してそれを許しません。He will never forgive that.
- 私は決して彼に会わないでしょう。I will never meet him.
- 彼女は決してあきらめません。She will never give up.
- 私たちは決して忘れないでしょう。We will never forget.
- 決して諦めずに頑張りましょう。Let's never give up and do our best.
- 一度も行ったことがありません。I have never been there.
- 彼は一度も手紙を書きませんでした。He never wrote a letter.
- 一度も飛行機に乗ったことがありません。I have never been on an airplane.
- その映画、一度も見たことがありません。I have never seen that movie.
- 一度も負けたことがない。I have never lost.
- ゼンゼン分からん。I have no idea at all.
- それはゼンゼン興味ない。I have absolutely no interest in that.
- ゼンゼンわかんねえよ。I don't understand it at all.
- 93 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiyori is warning Daisho about a secret.
- 陽葵 Himariこの話は決して誰にも言わないでね。Kono hanashi wa kesshite dare ni mo iwanaide ne.Please never tell anyone about this.
- 大翔 Hiroto分かった。秘密にするよ。Wakatta. Himitsu ni suru yo.I understand. I'll keep it a secret.
- 陽葵 Himari本当にいい？絶対にダメだよ。Hontō ni ii? Zettai ni dame da yo.Are you sure? You really mustn't.
- 大翔 Hiroto大丈夫。決して口外しないよ。Daijōbu. Kesshite kōgai shinai yo.It's okay. I will never let it slip.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “never” translations and entries 決して, 全く, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 全く, 決して, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
