Japanese Conversation · Level 64
75 words
Japanese word
かろうじて
Pronunciation
Romajikarōjite
Meaning
- adverbbarely
Example
私はかろうじて試験に合格しました。watashi wa ka rō ji te shi ken ni gō kaku shi ma shi ta
I barely passed the exam.
More examples
暗い部屋でも、かろうじて文字が読めます。kura i heya de mo ka rō ji te moji ga yo me ma su
Even in a dim room, I can barely read the writing.
Core concept
It describes something that is achieved or remains possible only at the smallest acceptable degree and with little room to spare.
Common phrases
かろうじて見えるka rō ji te mi e ru
barely visible
かろうじて合格するka rō ji te gō kaku su ru
barely pass
かろうじて間に合うka rō ji te ma ni a u
barely make it on time
かろうじて聞こえるka rō ji te ki ko e ru
barely audible
Similar words
ぎりぎりgirigiri: Something happens or remains possible at the closest point to failure or loss.
どうにかdōnika: By using whatever means are available, something is achieved despite difficulty.
やっとyatto: After much effort or a long wait, something finally happens or becomes possible.
Definition in Japanese
危ういところで、苦労しながら、やっとのことで物事を成し遂げるさま。aya u i to ko ro de ku rō shi na ga ra ya tto no ko to de mono goto o na shi to ge ru sa ma
Word origin
The adverb かろうじて (karōjite) comes from 辛うじて (karōjite), a spelling associated with the older form 辛くして (karaku shite, "with difficulty").
Usage tips
- A near-native English speaker distinguishes barely passed from narrowly passed because barely stresses a minimal degree, whereas narrowly suggests a close escape or result.
Other meanings
- narrowlyadverb
- with difficultyadverb
Opposites
- 楽々rakurakueasilyadverb