必ず

• Reading: かならず
• Romaji: kanarazu
• Kanji breakdown: 必 (hitsu/kanara) — certain, inevitable, necessary
• Pronunciation: /ka.na.ɾa.zɯ/

Meaning

Always; without exception; certainly; without fail. Indicates something will definitely happen or must be done.

An adverb expressing certainty or obligation. Stronger than きっと (kitto, surely), conveying near-absolute certainty (close to 100%). Often used for promises, rules, and habitual actions. Common in instructions: 必ず確認してください (please make sure to check). The related adjective is 必要 (hitsuyou, necessary).

Examples

1. 出かける前に必ず鍵を確認します。 I always check the lock before going out.
2. 約束は必ず守ってください。 Please make sure to keep your promises.
3. 毎朝必ずコーヒーを飲むようにしています。 I make it a point to drink coffee every morning without fail.

Usage Guide

Context: rules, promises, daily habits

Tone: firm

Origin & History

The kanji 必 is thought to depict a pole with two sides pressed together, representing something inevitably held together — a certainty that cannot be separated.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal