是非(ぜひ)

ぜひ
noun
right and wrong, merits
1. right and wrong, merits, propriety
Whether something is right or wrong, good or bad. Used when evaluating or debating the correctness of an action or policy.
是非(ぜひ)を問(と)う。
To question the right and wrong of something.
是非(ぜひ)を判断(はんだん)するのは難(むずか)しい。
It is difficult to judge right from wrong.
この政策(せいさく)の是非(ぜひ)について議論(ぎろん)された。
The merits of this policy were debated.
死刑(しけい)制度(せいど)の是非(ぜひ)をめぐって意見(いけん)が分(わ)かれている。
Opinions are divided over the right and wrong of the death penalty system.

是非(ぜひ) as a noun means "right and wrong" or "merits and demerits."

Common collocations

Usage

  • This is the noun usage. The adverb 是非(ぜひ) (by all means, definitely) is a separate word with a different function.
  • 是(ぜ) means "right/correct" and 非(ひ) means "wrong/incorrect"

Related Words

Related: 是非(ぜひ)とも (adverb: by all means)
Compare: 善(よ)し悪(あ)し (good or bad)
Compare: 正邪(せいじゃ) (right and wrong)
general
Added 2026.3.25 23:53 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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