Translation guide
The English adverb 'intentionally' means doing something on purpose, with deliberate intent. In Japanese, this concept is most naturally expressed using adverbs like わざと (for everyday deliberate actions, often with a negative nuance) or 故意に (for formal, legal, or malicious intent). The choice depends on context, formality, and whether the action is neutral, negative, or positive.
Expressing that someone did something deliberately, often implying it was unnecessary, mean, or childish. This is the most common way to say 'intentionally' in casual conversation.
The most common and natural adverb for 'intentionally' in everyday speech. It often carries a nuance that the action was unnecessary, mean, or done to provoke a reaction. Can be used with both positive and negative actions, but negative is more frequent.
彼はわざと私を無視した。
He intentionally ignored me.
わざとじゃないよ。
I didn't do it on purpose.
彼女はわざと変な声を出した。
She intentionally made a weird voice.
Kanji form of わざと, rarely used. The kanji 態 carries a nuance of 'attitude' or 'pretense', but in modern Japanese, the kana form is overwhelmingly preferred.
彼は態と私を無視した。
He intentionally ignored me.
Expressing that an action was done consciously and with purpose, without the negative nuance of わざと. Suitable for formal situations, explanations, or when the intent is neutral or positive.
A neutral, formal adverb meaning 'intentionally' or 'deliberately'. It emphasizes that the action was done with a specific intention or plan. Commonly used in business, academic, or explanatory contexts.
彼は意図的にその情報を隠した。
He intentionally hid that information.
このデザインは意図的にシンプルにしてあります。
This design has been intentionally kept simple.
A formal word often used in legal or serious contexts, implying malicious intent or wrongdoing. It can sound too strong for everyday situations. Use with caution.
Avoid using 故意に for neutral or positive intentional actions; it strongly implies fault or crime.
彼は故意に車を傷つけた。
He intentionally damaged the car.
故意に嘘をついたわけではありません。
I didn't intentionally tell a lie.
An adverb meaning 'in an affected/unnatural manner', often used when someone is intentionally acting in a way that seems fake or exaggerated. It derives from わざと but focuses on the manner being obvious or theatrical.
彼はわざとらしく咳をした。
He coughed intentionally (in an exaggerated way to get attention).
Expressing that someone chose to do something intentionally, often with a positive or strategic purpose. This is common in self-improvement, habits, or deliberate decisions.
Means 'consciously' or 'intentionally', emphasizing awareness and deliberate effort. Often used for positive habits, learning, or mindful actions.
私は意識的に毎日運動するようにしている。
I intentionally try to exercise every day.
彼は意識的にポジティブな言葉を使っている。
He intentionally uses positive words.
An adverb meaning 'daring to' or 'intentionally (even though it's difficult/risky)'. It implies going against the norm or expectations. Often used when someone does something bold or unconventional on purpose.
Expressing that an action was premeditated or calculated, often with a negative connotation of scheming or plotting.
Means 'systematically' or 'in a planned manner'. It emphasizes that the action was part of a plan, not spontaneous. Often used in crime or strategy contexts.
その犯罪は計画的に行われた。
The crime was carried out intentionally (with planning).
A formal term meaning 'artificially' or 'by design', often used when something is manipulated or fabricated intentionally. Common in legal or technical contexts.
証拠が作為的に作られた可能性がある。
There is a possibility that the evidence was intentionally fabricated.
These three are the most common translations for 'intentionally', but they differ in nuance and formality. わざと is casual and often implies a negative or childish intent (e.g., teasing). 意図的に is neutral/formal and simply states that something was done with intent. 故意に is formal and carries a strong implication of malicious or criminal intent. For everyday 'on purpose', stick with わざと. For neutral explanations, use 意図的に. Avoid 故意に unless you are talking about a crime or serious wrongdoing.
わざと負けたの？
Did you lose on purpose? (casual, maybe teasing)
意図的にその機能を省きました。
We intentionally omitted that feature. (neutral explanation)
故意に人を傷つけるのは犯罪です。
Intentionally harming someone is a crime. (legal context)
Using 故意に for a positive or neutral intentional action (like 'I intentionally arrived early') sounds unnatural and overly dramatic. It is reserved for blameworthy acts. Use 意図的に or 意識的に instead.
✕ 故意に早く来ました。
Intentionally came early. (unnatural)
○ 意図的に早く来ました。
I intentionally came early. (natural)
彼はわざと花瓶を割った。
He intentionally broke the vase.
彼女は意図的にその話題を避けた。
She intentionally avoided the topic.
I'll intentionally voice a dissenting opinion.
彼はあえて難しい道を選んだ。
He intentionally chose the difficult path.