Translation guide
The English phrase "by all means" is used to give enthusiastic permission or to emphasize that something should definitely be done. In Japanese, the most natural equivalents depend on the context: giving permission, strongly encouraging an action, or expressing one's own determination. Direct translation is often unnatural; instead, use set expressions like ぜひ or どうぞ.
You want to tell someone they are definitely allowed to do something, often in response to a request.
A polite and common way to say 'please go ahead' or 'by all means'. It is used when offering something or granting permission.
「この本を借りてもいいですか？」「どうぞ。」
"May I borrow this book?" "By all means."
Means 'of course' and can be used to give permission in a friendly way. Slightly less formal than どうぞ.
「電話を使ってもいい？」「もちろん。」
"Can I use the phone?" "By all means."
Literally 'without reserve', used to tell someone not to hesitate. Often combined with どうぞ.
どうぞ遠慮なくお使いください。
By all means, please use it without hesitation.
You want to urge someone to do something, emphasizing that they should definitely do it.
The most common way to say 'by all means' when encouraging someone to do something. It conveys 'definitely, without fail'. Often used with ～てください or volitional forms.
ぜひ遊びに来てください。
By all means, please come visit.
その映画はぜひ見るべきだ。
You should by all means see that movie.
Means 'without fail' or 'definitely'. Stronger than ぜひ, often used for instructions or promises.
Literally 'no matter what', used when you want to emphasize that something must be done at all costs. More dramatic.
何としてもその仕事を終わらせなければならない。
We must by all means finish that job.
You are stating your own resolve to do something, often in a formal or emphatic way.
A more emphatic version of ぜひ, used when expressing one's own strong desire or determination. Common in formal speech.
ぜひとも参加させていただきます。
I will by all means attend.
A literary or formal expression meaning 'without fail', often used in speeches or writing to express strong determination.
Do not translate 'by all means' word-for-word into Japanese. Phrases like すべての手段で are not natural and will not convey the intended meaning of permission or encouragement.
ぜひ is used for invitations and suggestions (please come, you should see it). 必ず is stronger and used for obligations or promises (you must come, I will definitely do it). Using 必ず for a casual invitation can sound too forceful.
必ず時間通りに来てください。
By all means, come on time.
必ずや成功させてみせます。
I will by all means make it a success.