是非

ぜひ

certainly, by all means

JLPT N4

Character Breakdown

Understanding 是非 (shìfēi)

The term 是非 primarily means "right and wrong" or "the truth of a matter." It is often used to discuss moral judgments or to distinguish between correct and incorrect actions. Beyond this, 是非 can also refer to disputes or quarrels, especially when someone "stirs up trouble" or causes arguments.

Usage in Conversation

When used in everyday speech, 是非 often appears in contexts where someone is asked to judge or clarify a situation, such as "是非" (distinguish right from wrong) or "是非" (stir up trouble). It carries a somewhat formal tone and is common in written and spoken Chinese at higher proficiency levels.

Common Collocations

  • 是非: to distinguish right from wrong; used when emphasizing the importance of moral clarity.
  • 是非: to stir up trouble or quarrels; used when someone causes disputes.
  • 是非: right and wrong; often used to ask for a clear judgment.

Tips

Be careful not to confuse 是非 with simple "right" or "wrong" words like or . 是非 emphasizes the overall judgment or controversy, sometimes implying a dispute or argument. When used as a noun, it can refer to the concept of right and wrong, but when used in phrases like 是非, it refers to causing trouble or conflict.

Example Sentences

We should distinguish right from wrong and not be influenced by rumors.

He always likes to stir up trouble, so nobody really likes him.

Please clearly state what is right and wrong; don’t be ambiguous.