必死
Meanings
na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
frantic; desperate; with all one's might
Describes a state of extreme effort or desperation, often used adverbially with に or as a な-adjective. Very common in everyday speech.
He ran desperately.
I passed the exam through frantic effort.
inevitable death; certain death
Literal meaning of the kanji; used in historical or dramatic contexts to refer to a situation where death is unavoidable. Rare in modern conversation.
On the battlefield, one must be prepared for certain death.
brinkmate; inevitable checkmate
Shogi term for a position where checkmate is unavoidable regardless of the opponent's moves. Also written 必至.
See also: 必至
This position is already brinkmate.
Usage patterns
- 必死に〈動詞〉to do something desperately/frantically
He desperately cried out for help.
- 必死で〈動詞〉to do something with all one's might, desperately
She studied desperately hard for the exam.
- 必死になるto become desperate; to get serious about something
He got desperate trying to protect the team.
- 必死の〈事〉a desperate (effort/attempt/struggle)
The players showed a desperate effort.
- 〈人〉は必死だsomeone is desperate/frantic
The mother was desperate to save her child.