Meaning

Primary

Surely

Alternatives

Certainly, Without Exception, Always, Definitely

Word Type

adverb

Explanation

This word looks like a verb but it's not (sorry!). It's an adverb. The kanji itself means certain and the vocab version means all sorts of variations on that: surely, certainly, and without exception to name a few.

Reading

かならず
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun'yomi reading. You didn't learn that reading with this kanji, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

Ra, the Egyptian god asks you: "Can you do it? Are you certain you can build the pyramids?"

"Yes I can ra (かなら). Yes I can," you reply.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 必ずある

    something is certainly there, something certainly exists

    必ず言う

    to certainly say

    必ずする

    to definitely do

Context Sentences

必ず毎日歩くことが大切です。

It is important to make sure to walk every day.

次のクラスは、必ず来てください。

Please be sure to come to the next class.

死ぬ前に、必ずワニカニをコンプリートします。

I'll surely complete WaniKani before I die.

Kanji Composition