Meaning and Usage
"絶対" (ぜったい) is an adverb and noun meaning "absolute" or "definite." It is used to express certainty or something that must happen or be done without exception. It often appears with verbs in negative or imperative forms to emphasize prohibition or necessity.
Common Collocations
- 絶対に + verb (e.g., 絶対に遅刻しない): emphasizes that something must or must not happen.
- 絶対に + する/しない: to express strong determination or prohibition.
- 絶対的 (ぜったいてき): adjective form meaning "absolute," often used in formal contexts.
Usage Notes
"絶対" is stronger than words like "必ず" (かならず), which also means "certainly." "絶対" implies no doubt or exception. It is common in both spoken and written Japanese but can sound forceful or strict depending on context.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "絶対" with "必ず." While both mean "definitely," "絶対" is more absolute and less flexible. Use "絶対" when you want to stress no exceptions or conditions.