Japanese Conversation · Level 68
75 words
Japanese word
断然
Pronunciation
Romajidanzen
Meaning
- adverbby far
Example
彼女はクラスで断然速いです。kano jo wa ku ra su de dan zen haya i de su
She is by far the fastest in her class.
More examples
新しい方法のほうが断然効率的です。atara shi i hō hō no hō ga dan zen kō ritsu teki de su
The new method is by far more efficient.
Core concept
It presents a comparison or judgment as unmistakably settled, often with one option standing well above the others.
Common phrases
断然いいdan zen i i
by far the best
断然速いdan zen haya i
by far the fastest
断然有利dan zen yū ri
decidedly advantageous
Similar words
はるかにharukani: It indicates that a degree or amount is much greater or smaller than another in a comparison.
ずっとzutto: It marks a clear and substantial difference when two things are compared.
ひときわhitokiwa: It indicates that someone or something stands out as notably greater among similar examples.
Definition in Japanese
比較したときの優位や差が、疑いなく際立っているさまを表す。hi kaku shi ta to ki no yū i ya sa ga utaga i na ku kiwa da tte i ru sa ma o arawa su
Word origin
The Sino-Japanese compound 断然 (danzen, "decisively") joins 断 (dan, "decide") with 然 (zen, "so; in that state"), linking firm judgment with a marked difference.
Usage tips
- English by far often appears with a comparative or superlative, while 断然 (danzen) can directly intensify an adjective to show a striking degree.
Other meanings
- definitelyadverb
- firmlyadverb