(ひじょう)

ひじょう
noun, na-adjective
emergency; very, extremely
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)(ぐち)どこです
Where is the emergency exit?
非常(ひじょう)事態(じたい)()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)(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)興味(きょうみ)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)(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):

  • とても: very (neutral)
  • 非常(ひじょう)に: very (formal)
  • すごく: very (casual)