How to say "formally" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 表立っておもてだってCommon
    expression'Formally' in the sense of openly, publicly, or officially rather than privately or behind the scenes. It describes words and actions carried out in public view or on an official footing, not hidden ones.
  • 改めてあらためてJLPT N2approx.Common
    adverbIts core sense is doing something again or anew, so 'formally' here means doing it over deliberately and properly. For 'formally' meaning officially or publicly, this is seldom the word you want.

Choose 「表立って」 for 'formally' meaning openly, publicly, or officially rather than privately, and 「改めて」 for 'formally' meaning doing something anew, deliberately and properly rather than for the first time.

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

Japanese equivalents
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JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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