Translation guide
Expresses that something is done every time, with certainty, or without exception. Japanese uses adverbs, set phrases, and grammar patterns rather than a single direct equivalent.
Describes an action that is performed consistently, without exception, as a habit or rule.
The most common and versatile way to say 'without fail' in the sense of 'always' or 'every time'. Used for habitual actions or certain outcomes.
彼は毎朝必ずジョギングをする。
He goes jogging every morning without fail.
私は寝る前に必ず歯を磨く。
I brush my teeth before bed without fail.
Literally 'without missing/omitting'. Emphasizes that the action is never skipped. Often used for daily routines or habits.
彼女は毎日日記を欠かさずつけている。
She keeps a diary every day without fail.
Literally 'without forgetting'. Used when reminding someone to do something without fail, or describing that one remembers to do something every time.
薬を忘れずに飲んでください。
Please take your medicine without fail.
Expresses that something will happen or must happen with absolute certainty, often in promises or predictions.
Also used for certainty. Can be used in promises, commands, or predictions to mean 'definitely' or 'without fail'.
明日必ず返事をします。
I will reply tomorrow without fail.
この薬を飲めば必ず治る。
If you take this medicine, you will get better without fail.
Literally 'without mistake'. Emphasizes that something is certain or will definitely happen. Slightly more emphatic than 必ず.
彼は間違いなく来るよ。
He'll come without fail.
Means 'absolutely' or 'definitely'. Often used in strong promises or prohibitions. Can sound more emotional or emphatic.
絶対に約束は守る。
I'll keep my promise without fail.
Emphasizes that a rule or statement applies to every single case, with no exceptions.
Can also be used to mean 'without exception'. Often used in general statements or rules.
人は必ず死ぬ。
All people die without fail.
Literally 'without exception'. More formal and explicit. Used in rules, regulations, or formal statements.
この規則は例外なく適用される。
This rule applies without fail (without exception).
Used when telling someone to do something without fail, often with a sense of urgency or importance.
A polite but firm request pattern. 'Please make sure to do ~ without fail.'
必ず時間通りに来てください。
Please come on time without fail.
A softer reminder: 'Please don't forget to do ~.' Implies 'without fail' in a less forceful way.
忘れずに書類を提出してください。
Please submit the documents without fail.
必ず is the most neutral and widely used for 'without fail'. 絶対に is stronger and often subjective, used in promises or prohibitions. 間違いなく emphasizes objective certainty, like 'undoubtedly'.
必ず is not used with negative commands (e.g., 'Don't do ~ without fail'). For negative commands, use 絶対に〜するな or 決して〜するな.