決(けっ)して

けっして

adverb

never; by no means; (not) at all

1. never, by no means

Used with negative verb forms to express strong negation.

I will never forget.

He never tells lies.

Please never give up.

Encouragement

I will never tell this secret.

Strong determination

I will never forgive you.

He never gives up.

Never go alone.

2. (not) at all, definitely (not)

Emphasizes that something absolutely will not happen or is not the case.

That's absolutely not the case.

Strong denial

It's definitely not a waste.

It's by no means easy.

This job is by no means easy, but it's rewarding.

It was by no means cheap, but I'm glad I bought it.

決(けっ)して is an adverb meaning 'never' or 'by no means.' It MUST be used with negative verb forms.

Position: Usually appears before the verb in a negative sentence.

Modifies: Negative verbs and adjectives only (〜ない, 〜ません)

[Register: Neutral to Formal]

IMPORTANT: Always requires a negative ending:

Similar expressions:

決(けっ)して vs. 絶対(ぜったい)に〜ない: Both express 'absolutely not,' but 決(けっ)して is slightly more formal.
決(けっ)して vs. 全然(ぜんぜん)〜ない: 全然(ぜんぜん) means 'not at all' (degree); 決(けっ)して means 'never/by no means' (emphasis on determination).

Common patterns:

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