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.
"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.
Literally 'without reserve', used to tell someone not to hesitate. Often combined with どうぞ.
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.
By all means, please come visit.
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.
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.
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.
「電話を使ってもいい？」「もちろん。」
"Can I use the phone?" "By all means."
必ず時間通りに来てください。
By all means, come on time.
We must by all means finish that job.
I will by all means make it a success.