emergency; state of emergency
Used as a noun and in compounds such as 非常時, 非常口, and 非常事態 for emergency situations or emergency-related things.
We keep water and food ready in case of an emergency.
In the event of a fire, please evacuate through the emergency exit.
extreme; extraordinary; severe; remarkable; very
As a な-adjective it describes something as unusually great, severe, or remarkable. The adverbial form 非常に is very common and is somewhat more formal or written-sounding than とても.
He passed the difficult exam through extraordinary effort.
This summer is extremely hot.
The typhoon caused extremely serious damage.
This dish is extremely spicy.
In case of emergency, please follow the staff's instructions.
He continued making extraordinary efforts.
非常 (extraordinary, emergency) looks similar to 日常 (everyday, ordinary) because both end in 常, but they describe nearly opposite situations.
非常 means 'extraordinary' or 'emergency' and shares the same first two kanji as 非常識, but the two words have completely unrelated meanings.
非常勤 (part-time/non-regular employment) shares its first two kanji with 非常 (extraordinary, an emergency) but the two words are unrelated in meaning.
very; extremely; exceedingly
emergency light; emergency lamp
for emergency use; emergency
emergency rice
cordon; police line; barricade
emergency bag; survival kit
emergency food; emergency rations
non-resident; transient; not permanently stationed
alarm bell; emergency alarm
extraordinary appeal; emergency appeal
state of emergency; emergency situation