是々非々
zeseihihi
The phrase "yes and no" is expressed in Japanese as 是々非々 (zeseihihi).
是々非々 is used to indicate there is no simple "yes" or "no" answer.
Meaning: indicating there is no simple "yes" or "no" answer (phrase)
How do you pronounce it?
zeseihihi
Did you know?
- In Japanese philosophy, the phrase suggests that one should judge every matter on its own merits rather than following a single dogma.
- The repetition of the characters in 是々非々 uses the iteration mark 々, which tells the reader to repeat the previous kanji without writing it twice.
- The phrase 是々非々 is a four-character compound known as a yojijukugo, a style of expression derived from classical Chinese that conveys complex philosophical ideas in a concise form.
Examples in context
- 政治においては是々非々の姿勢が大切だ。Seiji ni oite wa zezehihi no shisei ga taisetsu da.In politics, an impartial stance of accepting what is right and rejecting what is wrong is important.
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are discussing a complicated company policy.
- 結衣 Yuiこの案に賛成ですか？kono an ni sansei desu ka?Do you agree with this proposal?
- 陽太 Yotaうーん、是々非々ですね。uun, zezehihi desu ne.Hmm, it's a bit of a yes and no.
- 結衣 Yuiいい部分と悪い部分があるということ？ii bubun to warui bubun ga aru to iu koto?You mean there are both good and bad parts?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、その通りです。hai, sono toori desu.Yes, that's exactly right.
