必ず

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 約束は必ず守ります。▶ —
   I will definitely keep my promise.
2. 出かける前に必ず火を消してください。▶ —
   Be sure to turn off the fire before going out.

Collocations

Mnemonic

必ず kanarazu — kanji 必 (must, certain) + ず. An adverb for what happens or will be done 100%, without exception. Used for will and promises: 必ず守る (to keep without fail). Compare きっと (a strong guess); 必ず is exception-free certainty. The pattern 必ずしも〜ない means "not necessarily."

Quick check

1. How does 必ず differ from きっと?

   • 必ず is exception-free certainty, きっと is a strong guess
   • they are identical
   • 必ず is a guess, きっと is certainty
   • 必ず is only for negatives