1.
desperate, frantic
Trying extremely hard with full effort, often in a dire situation.
2.
inevitable death, certain death
A situation where death or defeat cannot be avoided; in shogi, a position where the king will be mated whatever the opponent does.
I put the opponent in an inescapable position in shogi.
In shogi, 必死 refers to a position where checkmate cannot be avoided
The soldiers fought with a do-or-die resolve.
Often used adverbially with に to mean "desperately" or "frantically."
Forms
- 必死に〜する (to do something desperately)
- 必死になって (becoming desperate)
- 必死の + noun (必死の努力 = desperate effort)
Common collocations
- 必死に働く (to work frantically)
- 必死に逃げる (to flee desperately)
- 必死の覚悟 (desperate resolve)
- 必死の抵抗 (desperate resistance)
Similar words
- 一生懸命: with all one's might; neutral or approving. 必死 adds desperation, as if something serious is at stake
Watch out: In casual talk, calling someone 必死 can be mocking (必死すぎる, trying far too hard).