決して～ない JLPT N3 Formal
kesshite ~ nai
Express 'never', 'by no means', or 'not at all' when negating a statement.
Emphatic "never/by no means" - stronger and more deliberate than ぜんぜん; common in writing and serious statements.
Formation
決して + Verb (negative form)
Explanation
The 決して～ない grammar point is used to emphasize a negative statement or action. It can be translated as 'never', 'by no means', or 'not at all'. This grammar point must be paired with a negative verb form to maintain its negative meaning.
Example sentences
-
He never arrives late.
Kare wa kesshite chikoku shinai.
-
Please never tell this secret to anyone.
Kono himitsu o kesshite darenimo iwanai de kudasai.
-
Never give up and keep trying until the end.
Kesshite akiramenai de, saigo made ganbarimashou.
-
She is a person who never lies.
Kanojo wa kesshite uso o tsukanai hito desu.