Explanation
Express 'never', 'by no means', or 'not at all' when negating a statement.
Formation
決して + Verb (negative form)
Detailed explanation
The 決して～ない grammar point is used to emphasize a negative statement or action. It can be translated as 'never', 'by no means', or 'not at all'. This grammar point must be paired with a negative verb form to maintain its negative meaning.
Examples
彼は決して遅刻しない。
Kare wa kesshite chikoku shinai.
He never arrives late.
この秘密を決して誰にも言わないでください。
Kono himitsu o kesshite darenimo iwanai de kudasai.
Please never tell this secret to anyone.
決して諦めないで、最後までがんばりましょう。
Kesshite akiramenai de, saigo made ganbarimashou.
Never give up and keep trying until the end.
彼女は決して嘘をつかない人です。
Kanojo wa kesshite uso o tsukanai hito desu.
She is a person who never lies.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.