否定

• Reading: ひてい
• Romaji: hitei
• Kanji breakdown: 否 (hi) — no, negate; 定 (tei) — fix, determine
• Pronunciation: /hi.teː/

Meaning

Negation; denial. The act of declaring something untrue or rejecting an idea or statement.

A noun that functions as a suru verb (否定する). Used in logic, grammar (否定文 — negative sentence), and general disagreement. The opposite is 肯定 (affirmation). Common phrases: 否定的 (negative/dismissive in attitude), 自己否定 (self-denial), 全否定 (complete denial). Appears across casual and formal registers.

Examples

1. その噂を本人が否定した。 The person in question denied the rumor.
2. 彼女は否定的な意見ばかり言う。 She only ever makes negative comments.
3. 自分の気持ちを否定しないでほしい。 I don't want you to deny your own feelings.

Usage Guide

Context: discussion, grammar, psychology

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 否 (hi, no/negate) and 定 (tei, fix/determine). Together, 'determining something as not so' — the act of negating.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal