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.
是非を問う。
To question the right and wrong of something.
是非を判断するのは難しい。
It is difficult to judge right from wrong.
この政策の是非について議論された。
The merits of this policy were debated.
死刑制度の是非をめぐって意見が分かれている。
Opinions are divided over the right and wrong of the death penalty system.
是非 as a noun means "right and wrong" or "merits and demerits."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 是非を問う (to question the rightness of)
- 是非を判断する (to judge right and wrong)
- 是非をめぐって (regarding the merits of)
NOTE:
- This is the noun usage. The adverb 是非 (by all means, definitely) is a separate word with a different function.
- 是 means "right/correct" and 非 means "wrong/incorrect"
Related Words
Related:
是非とも (adverb: by all means)