Japanese word

際立つ

Pronunciation

Romajikiwadatsu

Meaning

  • verbstand out

Example

その赤い看板は遠くからでも際立ちます。so no aka i kan ban wa tō ku ka ra de mo kiwa da chi ma su

That red sign stands out even from far away.

Illustration for 際立つ (stand out)

More examples

彼の簡潔な説明は、会議の中で際立ちました。kare no kan ketsu na setsu mei wa kai gi no naka de kiwa da chi ma shi ta

His concise explanation stood out in the meeting.

Core concept

Describes something becoming sharply distinct from its surroundings through contrast in appearance, quality, or effect.

Common phrases

  • 存在感が際立つson zai kan ga kiwa da tsu

    have a strong presence

  • 違いが際立つchiga i ga kiwa da tsu

    the difference stands out

  • 輪郭が際立つrin kaku ga kiwa da tsu

    the outline stands out

Similar words

目立つmedatsu: To attract attention by being easy to notice among surrounding things.
引き立つhikitatsu: To appear more vivid or impressive because surrounding features provide contrast.
映えるhaeru: To look especially attractive or striking in a particular setting.

Definition in Japanese

周囲との違いがはっきりして目立つ。shū i to no chiga i ga ha kki ri shi te me da tsu

Word origin

As a native Japanese compound, 際立つ (kiwadatsu) combines 際 (kiwa, "edge or boundary") with 立つ (tatsu, "stand"), expressing clear distinctness.

Usage tips

  • Unlike 際立つ (kiwadatsu), 目立つ (medatsu) focuses on attracting attention, while 際立つ emphasizes a clear contrast with its surroundings.

Other meanings

  • be remarkableverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 際立たせるkiwadataserumake ___ stand outverb
  • 際立ち方kiwadachikataway of standing outnoun

Word lists with this word