決して

• Reading: けっして
• Romaji: kesshite
• Kanji breakdown: 決 (ketsu/ki) — decide, determine
• Pronunciation: /kes.ɕi.te/

Meaning

Never; by no means; not in the least. A strong negative adverb always used with negative verb forms.

An adverb that must be paired with a negative predicate (ない, ません, etc.). Expresses absolute negation — stronger than just ない alone. 決して諦めない (I will never give up) is a common motivational phrase. Unlike 全然, which can colloquially be used with positives, 決して is strictly negative.

Examples

1. 彼の努力を決して忘れません。 I will never forget his efforts.
2. この約束は決して破らないでください。 Please never break this promise.
3. 決して簡単な試験ではなかった。 It was by no means an easy exam.

Usage Guide

Context: emphasis, promises, strong denial

Tone: emphatic

Origin & History

From 決する (kessuru, to decide/settle) in its conjunctive form. Literally means having decided — as in having firmly decided that something will not happen. The kanji 決 combines 氵 (water) with 夬 (to break through).

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal