Translation and Meaning of: 是非とも - zehitomo

The Japanese word 是非とも (ぜひとも) is an expression that carries a weight of conviction and urgency, often used to emphasize a request or desire. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about this expression, understanding its meaning, usage, and cultural context can be extremely helpful. In this article, we will explore what makes 是非とも so special, how it is used in daily life, and why it is a valuable word for those who want to communicate more persuasively in Japanese.

In addition to uncovering the meaning and translation of 是非とも, let's analyze its origin and how it fits into the grammatical structure of the language. You will also discover practical tips for memorizing it and using it correctly in different situations. Whether for an insistent invitation or a sincere appeal, this expression plays an important role in Japanese communication.

Meaning and use of 是非とも

是非とも is an expression that conveys a strong sense of conviction, often translated as "anyway," "definitely," or "please, do this." It is used to reinforce a request or desire, making it clear that something is very important or necessary. For example, if someone says "是非とも来てください" (ぜひともきてください), they are expressing a sincere and insistent invitation, like "please, come anyway."

Unlike other words that indicate desire, such as ぜひ (which also means "definitely" or "certainly"), 是非とも carries a more emphatic tone. While ぜひ can be used in more casual contexts, 是非とも is often employed in situations where there is a sense of urgency or a more intense appeal. This nuance makes it less common in everyday life and more utilized in formal speeches, important invitations, or when one wants to make clear how much something is desired.

Origin and grammatical structure

The word 是非とも is composed of two kanji: 是 (ぜ) and 非 (ひ), which together form the term 是非 (ぜひ), meaning "right and wrong" or, more broadly, "anyway." The addition of とも at the end intensifies the meaning, transforming the expression into something like "regardless of the circumstances" or "without fail." This construction reinforces the idea that the request or desire expressed should not be ignored.

In grammatical , 是非とも functions as an adverb and generally precedes verbs in the imperative mood or requests. Its structure is fixed, not undergoing variations in conjugation, which makes its use easier. However, due to being a more formal and emphatic expression, it is important to calibrate its application to avoid sounding exaggerated in informal contexts. It frequently appears in written invitations, motivational speeches, and situations where a strong expectation is intended to be conveyed.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 是非とも is to associate it with situations where a request or invitation is made with great insistence. Think of occasions like a friend inviting you to an important event or a boss asking for your presence at a crucial meeting. These scenarios help to reinforce the appropriate tone and context for the use of the word.

Another tip is to practice with short and direct sentences, such as "是非とも参加してください" (please participate without fail) or "是非ともお願いします" (I truly ask this of you). Repeating these structures in real contexts or writing exercises can help internalize their correct usage. that 是非とも is not an expression to be used casually, but rather when you want to convey a genuine and urgent appeal.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 是非 (zehi) - Certainly; expressing a strong desire for something to happen.
• 必ず (kanarazu) - Certainly; emphasizing that something must happen.
• 絶対に (zettai ni) - Absolutely; indicating that there is no doubt about the certainty of something.
• どうしても (doushitemo) - In any case; indicating that, regardless of the circumstances, something must happen.