Translation guide
The English word 'deliberate' can be an adjective meaning 'intentional' or a verb meaning 'to carefully consider'. This guide covers both uses, with natural Japanese equivalents.
Describing an action that is done consciously and intentionally, not by accident.
Standard adjective meaning 'intentional' or 'deliberate'. Often used in formal or legal contexts.
それは故意の行為だった。
It was a deliberate act.
Common adjective meaning 'intentional'. Slightly more neutral than 故意の and widely used in everyday and business contexts.
To think about or discuss something carefully and thoroughly, often in a formal setting.
Verb meaning 'to deliberate' or 'to ponder deeply'. Suitable for personal or formal decision-making.
一晩熟考した後、彼は辞職を決意した。
After deliberating overnight, he decided to resign.
Both mean 'intentional', but 故意の is often used in legal or formal contexts to imply culpability, while 意図的な is more neutral and can be used for any planned action. わざと is the casual adverbial form.
熟考する implies deep personal thought. For group deliberation, use 審議する or 検討する.
彼の意図的な無視に腹が立った。
I was annoyed by his deliberate ignoring of me.
Adverb meaning 'on purpose' or 'deliberately'. Very common in casual speech.
わざと負けたの？
Did you lose on purpose?
Means 'deliberate' or 'contrived', often with a negative nuance of artificiality or manipulation. Used in formal or critical contexts.
その作為的な笑顔が気になった。
I was bothered by that deliberate smile.
Formal verb for 'to deliberate' in a committee, court, or official meeting. Emphasizes discussion and examination.
委員会はその問題を長時間審議した。
The committee deliberated on the issue for a long time.
Common verb meaning 'to examine' or 'to consider'. Often used in business for deliberating options.
提案を検討した結果、採用することにした。
After deliberating the proposal, we decided to adopt it.
Means 'to ponder' or 'to deliberate', often with a nuance of worrying or being lost in thought. Somewhat literary.
彼は将来について思案していた。
He was deliberating about his future.