必ずしも

• Reading: かならずしも
• Romaji: kanarazushimo
• Kanji breakdown: 必 (hitsu/kanara) — inevitably, certainly
• Pronunciation: /ka.na.ɾa.zɯ.ɕi.mo/

Meaning

Not always; not necessarily. Used with negative predicates to express partial negation.

An adverb that MUST be paired with a negative ending (ない, ません, etc.) to mean 'not necessarily' or 'not always.' A key N3 grammar pattern. For example, 高い店が必ずしもおいしいとは限らない (expensive restaurants are not necessarily delicious). Without the negative, use 必ず instead.

Examples

1. 有名な大学が必ずしもいいとは限らない。 A famous university isn't necessarily a good one.
2. お金があれば必ずしも幸せになるわけではない。 Having money doesn't necessarily make you happy.
3. 努力すれば必ずしも成功するとは言えない。 You can't say that hard work necessarily leads to success.

Usage Guide

Context: argument, discussion, nuanced opinion

Tone: measured

Origin & History

Compound of 必ず (kanarazu, certainly/always) and the classical particle しも, an emphatic form. Together with negation, the phrase creates a nuanced partial denial — 'even certainly/always + emphasis... is not the case.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal