synonym Comparative
絶対に
VS
決して
Differences Between "絶対に" and "決して"
Option A
絶対に
Meaning
absolutely; certainly; never (with negative)
Reading
ぜったいに (zettaini)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
私はJLPT N3に絶対に合格したいです。
I definitely want to pass the JLPT N3.
Option B
決して
Meaning
never, by no means, absolutely not
Reading
けっして (kesshite)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
私は決して嘘をつきません。
I never tell lies.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(absolutely; certainly; never (with negative))"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 絶対に: Used to express strong determination or certainty for both positive actions/outcomes (e.g., 絶対に行く - 'I will definitely go') and strong denial or prohibition with negative verbs (e.g., 絶対にしない - 'I will absolutely not do it/never do it'). 強い決意や確信、または強い否定を表します。
- 決して: Always used with a negative verb form (e.g., 決して〜ない). Emphasizes strong denial or prohibition. (常に否定形（決して〜ない）と一緒に使われ、強い否定や禁止を表します。)
- 絶対に: Used to express strong determination or certainty for both positive actions/outcomes (e.g., 絶対に行く - 'I will definitely go') and strong denial or prohibition with negative verbs (e.g., 絶対にしない - 'I will absolutely not do it/never do it'). 強い決意や確信、または強い否定を表します。
- 決して: Always used with a negative verb form (e.g., 決して〜ない). Emphasizes strong denial or prohibition. (常に否定形（決して〜ない）と一緒に使われ、強い否定や禁止を表します。)
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