How to say "conspicuous" in Japanese

• 目覚ましいめざましいJLPT N1approx.Common
  i-adjectiveCovers 'conspicuous' in the sense of strikingly impressive: remarkable progress, growth, or achievement. The tone is admiring and positive, so it fits conspicuous success rather than mere visual noticeability.
  日本にっぽんは戦後せんご目覚めざましい産業さんぎょうの進歩しんぽをとげた。↗

  Japan achieved a remarkable development in industrial technology after the war.
• 最さいCommon
  taru-adjective, adverb (with と)Its real sense is 'most' or 'prime'; 'conspicuous' is only a marginal gloss. This is seldom the word you want when translating 'conspicuous' — think of it as expressing degree, not standing out.

For 'conspicuous' meaning strikingly impressive — remarkable progress or success — use 「目覚ましい」; 最 really means 'most' or 'prime', and its 'conspicuous' gloss is marginal, so it is rarely the right choice.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 目覚ましいめざましいremarkable
• 最たるさいたるprime
• めぼしいnotable
• 最さいprime