非常(ひじょう)

ひじょう
noun, na-adjective
emergency; very, extremely
formaldescriptive
See also: 非情(ひじょう) (heartless, cold)
1. emergency, extraordinary
An unusual or urgent situation requiring immediate attention.
非常(ひじょう)口(ぐち)はどこですか。
Where is the emergency exit?
非常(ひじょう)な事態(じたい)が起(お)きました。
An emergency situation has occurred.
When the emergency bell rings, please evacuate immediately.
2. very, extremely
Used adverbially (非常(ひじょう)に) to intensify adjectives or verbs.
非常(ひじょう)に難(むずか)しいです。
It is very difficult.
非常(ひじょう)に as intensifier
非常(ひじょう)に興味(きょうみ)があります。
I am very interested.
This dish is extremely delicious.

非常(ひじょう) has two main uses: 'emergency' as a noun/na-adjective, and 'very' as an adverb.

Forms

  • Adverbial: 非常(ひじょう)に (very, extremely)
  • Na-adjective: 非常(ひじょう)な + noun (emergency ~)

Common patterns

  • 非常(ひじょう)に + adjective (very ~)
  • 非常(ひじょう)口(ぐち) (emergency exit)
  • 非常(ひじょう)事態(じたい) (emergency situation)
  • 非常(ひじょう)ベル (emergency bell/alarm)

SIMILAR WORDS (as intensifier):