1.
desperately; frantically; with all one's might
Describes putting in maximum effort in a situation that feels urgent or critical. The literal meaning is 'as if one's life depended on it,' but it is commonly used for any intense effort.
必死に走った。
I ran for dear life.
Usage
Used as an adverb with に to modify verbs describing intense effort or struggle. Can also be used as a な-adjective (必死な表情, a desperate expression). The word originally referred to a situation where death was certain (必ず死ぬ), but in modern usage it simply means giving maximum effort.
Common collocations
- 必死に頑張る (to try one's hardest)
- 必死に逃げる (to flee desperately)
- 必死の思い (desperate feelings)
- 必死な形相 (a desperate look on one's face)