是非とも・是非共|ぜひともzehitomo[1]atamadaka (head-high)

JLPT N2approx.Common
Which spelling to use
是非とも是非とも is the more common form and the recommended choice for beginners; it combines kanji and kana and expresses strong insistence.
是非共是非共 is a less common kanji-only variant of 是非とも. Recognize it when reading, but choose 是非とも when writing, especially as a beginner.
Definitions
  1. adverbby all means; at all costs; absolutely
    Your prompt reply is urgently required.
Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym絶対にぜったいにNeutralNot a true antonym: it can also mean 'by all means', as in 「絶対に来てね」; mostly for firm assertions, while 「是非とも」 centers on requests and wishes.
  • Synonym必ずかならずNeutralNot a true antonym either: it can appear in requests, as in 「必ず来てください」; it stresses that something will certainly be done, 「是非とも」 an earnest wish.
  • Synonym是非ぜひNeutralSlightly lighter in tone than 「是非とも」 and very common in speech; also a noun meaning right and wrong.
  • Synonym何卒なにとぞFormalA formal way of entreating someone, mostly in letters and speeches; 「是非とも」 can also voice one's own strong wish.
  • SynonymどうしてもNeutralUsed for doing something no matter what, and with a negative for when something just won't work; 「是非とも」 is mostly for requests, wishes or resolve.
  • SynonymぜひぜひCasualA colloquial doubling for urging or inviting warmly, as in 「是非是非来て」; 「是非とも」 leans formal.
  • Synonym何が何でもなにがなんでもNeutralAn idiom for getting something done at any cost, stressing resolve; harder-edged than 「是非とも」 and rarely used in requests.
  • RelatedどうぞNeutralA gentle 'please' for offering something or giving permission; 「是非とも」 is a strong, earnest request.
  • Related理が非でもりがひでもWrittenAn idiom for seeing something through right or wrong, with a forceful, by-any-means tinge; 「是非とも」 carries no such nuance.
  • Related雨が降ろうと槍が降ろうとあめがふろうとやりがふろうとNeutralAn idiom for pressing ahead come what may, stressing resolve in an exaggerated tone; it can also introduce a request, but 「是非とも」 has no such hyperbole.

Use 「是非とも」 for a strong wish or a formal request, as in 「是非ともお越しください」. In casual speech say 「ぜひ」; for earnest entreaty in letters or speeches, 「何卒」; when you'll do something no matter what, 「何が何でも」; for plain certainty, 「必ず」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese definitions
  1. なにがなんでも。きっと。是非ぜひ。
Kanji in this word

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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