ぜひ

• Reading: ぜひ
• Romaji: zehi
• Pronunciation: /ze.çi/

Meaning

By all means; certainly; definitely; without fail. Used to express a strong wish or recommendation.

An adverb used when strongly urging, inviting, or requesting something. Often paired with てください or たい forms. Conveys earnest desire or wholehearted recommendation. The kanji 是非 literally means 'right and wrong' but the adverbial use is always written in hiragana.

Examples

1. ぜひ日本に遊びに来てください。 Please come visit Japan by all means!
2. この映画はぜひ見てほしいです。 I really want you to see this movie.
3. ぜひ一度食べてみてください。 You absolutely have to try it at least once.

Usage Guide

Context: invitations, recommendations, requests

Tone: earnest

Origin & History

The kanji 是非 combines 是 (ze, right/correct) and 非 (hi, wrong/not). The original noun meaning 'right and wrong' led to the adverbial sense of doing something 'regardless of right or wrong' — that is, absolutely, no matter what.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal