絶対
zettai
zettai is the Japanese phrase for absolute or definitely.
絶対 is commonly used to express certainty or an unconditional state. In everyday speech, it most often functions as an adverb to mean 'definitely' or 'absolutely'. It is frequently used in casual settings to offer strong reassurance, such as in the phrase 絶対大丈夫, which means 'It will definitely be okay'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 絶対 is composed of kanji characters that carry the meaning of 'absolute' or 'unconditional'.
Which one should you use?
While 絶対 can function as a noun meaning 'absolute', in common speech it is most often used as an adverb to express certainty.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the word as an adverb that modifies verbs or adjectives, for example, to say one 'definitely will do' something, you can add the particle に to form 絶対に.
How do you pronounce it?
zettai
Did you know?
- The word 絶対 is a modern creation, coined in 1881 by the philosopher Inoue Tetsujirō as a translation of the English word 'absolute'.
- Anime and manga often use 絶対 in a hyperbolic way to express an obsession or an unbreakable goal, making it sound more intense than in real-world business Japanese.
- When used in a negative sentence, 絶対 changes from meaning 'definitely' to 'absolutely not' or 'never', acting as a strong denial.
Examples in context
- 彼女は絶対に成功するでしょう。She will definitely succeed.
- 今晩絶対にパーティーに行こう！Let's definitely go to the party tonight!
- 彼は絶対的に右が好き。He absolutely prefers the right.
- 絶対に行きます。zettai ni ikimasu.I will definitely go.
- これは絶対におかしいです。kore wa zettai ni okashii desu.This is definitely strange.
- 絶対に忘れないでください。zettai ni wasurenaide kudasai.Please don't ever forget.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are talking about a movie release.
- 蓮 Ren新しい映画、絶対に見たい！atarashii eiga, zettai ni mitai!I definitely want to see the new movie!
- 結衣 Yui私も絶対に見たいです。watashi mo zettai ni mitai desu.I definitely want to see it too.
- 蓮 Ren今週末、一緒に行かない？konshuumatsu, issho ni ikanai?Do you want to go together this weekend?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、絶対に行きましょう！hai, zettai ni ikimashou!Yes, let's definitely go!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 絶対, CC BY-SA 4.0.
