How to say "intentionally" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- adverbThe usual adverb for doing something on purpose, often when the act is unwelcome or the deliberateness itself is the point, as in pretending not to notice or losing a game deliberately.
- adverbFor deliberate action that seems needless, unexpected, or counterproductive — going against the obvious course, as when you dare to voice dissent or hold back.
- 好んでこのんでadverbCovers 'intentionally' only in the sense of doing something by choice or preference; it suits willing, self-chosen actions and is seldom the word you want for deliberate acts like breaking something on purpose.
- adverbCovers 'on purpose' when someone goes out of their way or takes trouble to act, often hinting the effort was unnecessary, as in making a special trip to deliver something.
- 改めてあらためてadverbPrimarily used for 'again' or 'formally', it only marginally conveys 'deliberately' — roughly doing something expressly for the occasion — so it is seldom the word you want for plain 'intentionally'.
Use 「わざと」 for plain 'on purpose', 「あえて」 for acts that defy expectations, 「わざわざ」 for going out of one's way, 「好んで」 for actions done by preference, and 「改めて」 only marginally, since it mainly means 'again'.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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