決して〜ない
Meanings
- Never
- By no means
About this pattern
Explanation
決して〜ない is a strong, emphatic negation meaning something will not happen under any circumstances. It conveys a firm determination or a strong belief about the impossibility of something. It is more forceful than simply 〜ない and is often used to deny a possibility or to express resolute commitment. It is commonly used in statements about personal actions, rules, or facts that are absolutely true or applicable, especially in written or formal contexts. Common pitfalls: avoid using with future speculative statements in casual speech where softer negations are preferred; keep the focus on absolute negation rather than a mere denial. Typical contexts include refusing plans, asserting personal principles, or correcting a mistaken assumption.
Learn in context
Example sentences
I will never give up.
He never is late.
This movie is by no means boring.
This report is by no means easy.
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