必ず（かならず、kanarazu）
- certainly

The Japanese word 必ず (かならず) primarily means "certainly," "without fail," "surely," or "inevitably." It indicates a strong degree of certainty or the unavoidable nature of something. It conveys the speaker's confidence that something will happen or that an action will be taken. It can also imply a promise or commitment. The meaning focuses on the absolute certainty of something. The word can express strong determination.

⚫︎明日、必ず］行きます。 Translation: I will definitely go tomorrow. ⚫︎宿題は必ず］やってください。 Translation: Please do your homework without fail. ⚫︎成功を必ず］信じています。 Translation: I believe in success without a doubt.

⚫︎必ず is used when you want to emphasize the certainty of an event, action, or outcome. ⚫︎ It's often used when making promises or expressing intentions. ⚫︎ It can be used in both formal and informal situations, though the context might influence the overall tone. ⚫︎ It is placed before the verb. ⚫︎ Often used with verbs in the polite form (-masu form) to add politeness.

⚫︎ The word 必ず is typically written in kanji. ⚫︎ The reading is かならず in hiragana. ⚫︎ There are no other common ways to write this word. ⚫︎ There are no variations in the okurigana.

⚫︎ きっと (kitto): Surely, definitely (similar in meaning, but often expresses a higher degree of expectation rather than absolute certainty.) ⚫︎ 絶対に (zettai ni): Absolutely, definitely (more emphatic and strong) ⚫︎ ぜひ (zehi): By all means, definitely (used to encourage or urge)

⚫︎ 多分 (tabun): Probably, maybe ⚫︎ もしかしたら (moshikashitara): Perhaps, maybe ⚫︎ Words that express uncertainty are the antonyms of 必ず.

試験に必ず］合格します。 ・Translation: I will definitely pass the exam. ・Explanation: The speaker is expressing a strong determination to pass the exam.

約束は必ず］守ります。 ・Translation: I will certainly keep my promise. ・Explanation: The speaker is emphasizing that they will absolutely fulfill the promise.

The etymology of 必ず is not readily available as a simple explanation. The kanji 必 means "certainly" or "necessarily," and ず is a particle that makes 必 an adverb, creating the meaning of "without fail" or "certainly." The word likely evolved over time, blending together the inherent meaning of the kanji with the grammatical function of the reading.