Translation guide
The adverb 'conspicuously' describes an action or state that is very noticeable, standing out clearly from the surroundings. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adverbs and phrases depending on whether the focus is on visual prominence, behavioral obviousness, or deliberate display.
Describing something that is easily seen or noticed because of its appearance, position, or contrast with the environment.
The most common and versatile adverb meaning 'conspicuously' or 'noticeably'. Derived from the verb 目立つ (to stand out). Used for both positive and negative contexts.
彼は会議で目立って発言しなかった。
He didn't speak up conspicuously at the meeting.
その看板は目立って大きい。
That sign is conspicuously large.
Means 'remarkably' or 'strikingly', often used for significant, measurable changes or differences. More formal and often found in written language.
売上が著しく増加した。
Sales increased conspicuously.
Literally 'to the extent of attracting attention'. Used to describe something that is conspicuously eye-catching.
彼女は人目を引くほど派手な服を着ていた。
She was wearing conspicuously flashy clothes.
Means 'conspicuously' in the sense of being outstanding or prominent, often in a positive way. Slightly literary.
彼の才能は際立っている。
His talent is conspicuously outstanding.
Describing actions that are done in a way that is clearly intentional and impossible to ignore, often with a negative connotation.
Means 'openly', 'blatantly', or 'conspicuously' in the sense of not hiding one's actions or intentions. Often used for negative behaviors like lying or ignoring someone.
彼はあからさまに嘘をついた。
He conspicuously lied.
彼女はあからさまに私を無視した。
She conspicuously ignored me.
Literally 'to the extent of being obvious/affected'. Used when someone's actions are conspicuously deliberate or exaggerated.
彼はわざとらしいほど大きなため息をついた。
He sighed conspicuously loudly.
Colloquial term meaning 'obviously transparent' or 'conspicuously obvious', often used for lies or pretenses.
彼の言い訳は見え見えだった。
His excuse was conspicuously transparent.
Highlighting the noticeable absence of someone or something that was expected to be present.
Literally 'one's figure is not visible'. The most natural way to say someone is conspicuously absent.
パーティーに彼の姿が見えなかった。
He was conspicuously absent from the party.
Means 'one's absence stands out'. Used when someone's absence is conspicuous.
会議での彼の不在が目立った。
His absence at the meeting was conspicuous.
Acting in a way that is meant to be noticed, often to display wealth, status, or confidence.
An adverb meaning 'ostentatiously' or 'conspicuously showing off'. Implies a deliberate display to make others notice.
彼はこれ見よがしに高級車を乗り回している。
He conspicuously drives around in a luxury car.
A verb meaning 'to flaunt' or 'to show off conspicuously'. Often used for knowledge, wealth, or relationships.
彼は自分の知識をひけらかす。
He conspicuously flaunts his knowledge.
The word 顕著に (けんちょに) is a direct translation of 'conspicuously' but is very formal and primarily used in academic or technical writing. In everyday speech, it sounds unnatural. Use 目立って or other options instead.
改善が顕著に見られる。
Improvement is conspicuously seen. (formal report)
目立って is neutral and can be used for both positive and negative visibility. あからさまに carries a negative nuance of blatantness or shamelessness. Choose based on whether the conspicuousness is merely noticeable or intentionally offensive.