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B2 noun #1,500 most common 7 min read

強調

kyocho Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 強調 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 強調 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '強調' (kyōchō) yourself. Instead, you learn how to emphasize things using simple methods. For example, you might say 'totemo' (very) or 'sugoku' (really) to show that something is important. You might also say 'kore wa daiji desu' (this is important). The concept of 'emphasis' at this level is just about making a word stronger. You might see 'kyōchō' in a textbook to explain why a certain word is in bold, but you can just think of it as 'making a word big or strong.' In A1, emphasis is mostly about volume and simple adjectives.

At the A2 level, you begin to see '強調' (kyōchō) in grammar explanations. You might learn that certain particles like 'wa' can be used for emphasis. You start to understand that the order of words in a Japanese sentence can change what is being emphasized. For example, putting the time at the beginning of a sentence can emphasize 'when' something happened. You might not use the verb 'kyōchō-suru' in daily life yet, but you should recognize it in simple instructions, like 'Important words are emphasized.' You are learning the basic tools of emphasis without necessarily using the formal name for it.

At the B1 level, you should start using '強調' (kyōchō) in your own speaking and writing, especially in school or work settings. You can use it to explain your actions: 'I emphasized this point in my presentation.' You also learn more complex grammatical ways to emphasize, such as using '~ koso' (precisely/definitely) or '~ sae' (even). You understand that 'kyōchō' is a useful word for summarizing what someone else said. If you are listening to a speech, you can identify the 'kyōchō-sarete iru pointo' (the emphasized points). This level is about moving from simple 'strong words' to the formal concept of 'rhetorical emphasis.'

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '強調' (kyōchō) fluently and accurately. You understand the difference between 'kyōchō' (emphasis) and 'jūshi' (valuing). You can use 'kyōchō' to describe subtle nuances in a text or a conversation. For example, you might analyze a news article and say, 'The author emphasizes the risks while downplaying the benefits.' You also learn 'kyōchō kōbun' (emphatic structures) and how to use them to make your Japanese sound more sophisticated. At this level, you use 'kyōchō' to structure your arguments, ensuring that your main points are clear to your audience. You also become aware of the homophone '協調' (cooperation) and avoid confusing them.

At the C1 level, your understanding of '強調' (kyōchō) becomes very nuanced. You can discuss the psychological effects of emphasis in different types of discourse. You might use the word to describe how a speaker uses silence or specific vocabulary choices to create emphasis without explicitly saying 'this is important.' You can also use related academic terms like 'rikusetsu' (stressing a point) or 'shōten' (focus). In professional writing, you use 'kyōchō' to guide the reader through complex information. You are also sensitive to 'over-emphasis' and how it can affect the credibility of a speaker. You can analyze how different cultures use emphasis differently and how 'kyōchō' functions in Japanese social harmony.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '強調' (kyōchō). You can use it in high-level academic, legal, or literary analysis. You might write about the 'kyōchō' of certain themes in classical Japanese literature or the legal 'kyōchō' of specific clauses in a contract. You understand the historical development of the word and its kanji. You can use 'kyōchō' to discuss the finest details of linguistics, such as prosody and intonation. Your use of emphasis is strategic and invisible; you don't just 'emphasize' things, you craft utterances where the emphasis is perfectly balanced with the context. You can also critique others' use of emphasis with precision and elegance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

強調 in 30 Seconds

強調 (Kyōchō) means to emphasize or highlight a specific point.
It is commonly used as a suru-verb: 強調する (to emphasize).
It is vital in formal, business, and academic Japanese contexts.
Do not confuse it with 協調 (Kyōchō), which means cooperation.

The word 強調 (きょうちょう) is a cornerstone of effective communication in Japanese, particularly at the B2 level where nuance becomes critical. At its heart, it combines the kanji 強 (strong/force) and 調 (tone/tune). Together, they literally translate to 'strengthening the tone.' This isn't just about volume; it's about psychological and structural weight. When you emphasize something, you are essentially telling your audience, 'Of all the things I am saying, this specific part is the most vital for you to understand.'

Semantic Range: It covers everything from bolding text in a document to raising your voice during a speech, or even using specific grammatical structures to highlight a subject.

彼はその計画の安全性を強調した。
(He emphasized the safety of the plan.)

In a cultural context, Japanese communication often leans toward 'ishin-denshin' (heart-to-heart communication) or indirectness. Therefore, the act of kyōchō is a deliberate break from subtlety. When a Japanese speaker uses this word, they are being explicit. This makes it a powerful tool in business negotiations, academic presentations, and legal contexts where ambiguity must be minimized.

Visual Emphasis: Using bold fonts, underlining, or 'kenten' to make words pop in a text.

重要な部分は太字で強調されています。
(The important parts are emphasized in bold.)

Understanding 強調 also requires understanding what it is not. It is not 'cooperation' (which is the homophone 協調). It is not just 'saying something loudly.' It is the strategic focus on a point. In the CEFR B2 level, you are expected to not only recognize emphasis but to use it to structure your arguments effectively.

Linguistic Focus: Focusing on a specific noun or verb to change the sentence's nuance.

事実を強調しすぎるのは逆効果だ。
(Over-emphasizing the facts can be counterproductive.)

Grammatically, 強調 functions as a noun that frequently transforms into a suru-verb (強調する). This flexibility allows it to fit into various sentence structures. When using it as a verb, it typically takes the particle を (wo) to indicate what is being emphasized. For example, 'pointo wo kyōchō-suru' (to emphasize the point).

Verb Pattern: [Noun] + を + 強調する (To emphasize [Noun])

首相は経済再生の必要性を強調しました。
(The Prime Minister emphasized the need for economic recovery.)

Another common usage is the passive form, 強調される (to be emphasized). This is often used in descriptions of art, literature, or design. For instance, in a painting, a certain color might be emphasized to create a specific mood. In writing, a particular theme might be emphasized through repetition.

Passive Usage: [Noun] + が + 強調されている (The [Noun] is being emphasized)

このデザインでは、シンプルさが強調されています。
(In this design, simplicity is emphasized.)

Beyond the verb form, 強調 can be used as a prefix or part of a compound noun. For example, 強調構文 (kyōchō kōbun) refers to 'emphatic structures' in grammar (like 'It is... that...' in English). In music, 強調音 (kyōchō-on) might refer to an accented note. Understanding these compounds expands your vocabulary into specialized fields.

Compound Nouns: 強調点 (Point of emphasis), 強調材料 (Material/Evidence for emphasis)

プレゼンの強調点を絞りましょう。
(Let's narrow down the points of emphasis for the presentation.)

Finally, consider the adverbial use. While 'kyōchō' isn't an adverb itself, you can use phrases like 強調して言う (to say with emphasis). This is useful for describing someone's manner of speaking. It implies a certain level of intensity or insistence that 'iu' (to say) alone does not convey.

彼は「絶対に」という言葉を強調して言った。
(He said the word 'absolutely' with emphasis.)

You will encounter 強調 in a variety of professional and formal settings. In the world of Japanese News (Hōdō), reporters use it to describe the stance of politicians or organizations. For example, 'The government emphasized that there is no health risk.' It signals the 'key message' of a public statement.

News Context: Used to report official stances, warnings, or primary focus areas of policy.

ニュースでは、手洗いの励行が強調されている。
(On the news, the regular practice of hand-washing is being emphasized.)

In Business Settings, this word is indispensable. During meetings, a manager might emphasize the deadline or the budget constraints. In marketing, a product's unique selling point (USP) is the 'kyōchō-suru beki pointo' (the point that should be emphasized). If you are writing a resume (rirekisho), you are essentially emphasizing your strengths and achievements.

Business Context: Used in sales pitches, performance reviews, and project management to highlight priorities.

この商品の低価格を強調しましょう。
(Let's emphasize the low price of this product.)

In Education and Academia, teachers use this word to tell students what will be on the test. 'Koko wa tesuto ni deru kara kyōchō shite oku yo' (I'll emphasize this because it will be on the test). In research papers, authors emphasize their findings to show how they contribute to the field. It's about directing the reader's attention to the 'new' or 'important' information.

Academic Context: Used to highlight thesis statements, critical data, or flaws in previous research.

教授は論文の独創性を強調した。
(The professor emphasized the originality of the thesis.)

The most frequent mistake made by learners (and even some native speakers in a hurry) is confusing 強調 (Kyōchō) with its homophone 協調 (Kyōchō). While they sound identical, their meanings are worlds apart. 強調 is about emphasis, while 協調 is about cooperation or harmony. Using the wrong kanji in writing can completely change the meaning of your sentence.

The Homophone Trap: 強調 (Emphasis) vs. 協調 (Cooperation). Remember: 強 (Strong) for emphasis, 協 (Together) for cooperation.

❌ 国際的な強調が必要だ。
✅ 国際的な協調が必要だ。
(International cooperation is necessary.)

Another common error is the over-reliance on the word kyōchō when a more specific word would be better. For example, if you are talking about placing high value on something, 重視 (jūshi) might be more appropriate. If you are talking about making something stand out visually, 際立たせる (kiwadataseru) is more descriptive. Using 'kyōchō' for everything can make your Japanese sound repetitive and slightly 'textbook-like.'

Overuse vs. Specificity: Don't use 'kyōchō' when you mean 'to focus on' (shōten wo ateru) or 'to prioritize' (yūsen-suru).

彼はその問題を重視している。
(He considers that problem important/values it.)

Finally, be careful with the particle usage. While ~を強調する is standard, learners sometimes try to use ~に強調する, which is incorrect. The emphasis is 'done to' the object, so the direct object particle wo is necessary. Also, remember that kyōchō is a formal word; in very casual conversation with friends, you might use tsuyoku iu (say strongly) or oshite iru (pushing/recommending) instead.

Particle Error: Always use 'を' for the thing being emphasized. Never 'に' or 'と'.

メリットを強調して話す。
(Speak while emphasizing the benefits.)

To truly master 強調, you must understand its neighbors in the semantic field. The most common synonym is 重視 (Jūshi). While 強調 is the act of showing importance, 重視 is the internal state of considering something important. You jūshi a value, and you kyōchō that value to others.

強調 vs. 重視: 強調 is 'Emphasis' (External/Action). 重視 is 'Importance/Valuing' (Internal/Stance).

実力を重視する会社。
(A company that values actual ability.)

Another similar word is 力説 (Rikusetsu). This word is more intense than 強調. It implies arguing a point with great energy or passion. You might kyōchō a fact calmly, but you rikusetsu a belief or a theory when you are trying to convince a skeptical audience. It literally means 'forceful explanation.'

強調 vs. 力説: 強調 is 'to highlight' (Neutral/Broad). 力説 is 'to stress/argue strongly' (Passionate/Specific).

彼は自説の正しさを力説した。
(He strongly argued the correctness of his own theory.)

Then there is 際立たせる (Ki-wadataseru). This is often used for visual or aesthetic contrast. While 強調 can be used for ideas, 際立たせる is perfect for describing how a white dress stands out against a dark background, or how a single flute melody stands out against an orchestra. It means 'to make prominent' or 'to make stand out.'

強調 vs. 際立たせる: 強調 is often abstract/verbal. 際立たせる is often concrete/visual/sensory.

赤いリボンが彼女の可愛さを際立たせている。
(The red ribbon makes her cuteness stand out.)

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Emphatic particle 'koso'

Emphatic particle 'sae'

The '~ no da' (explanatory/emphatic) ending

Cleft sentences (It is... that...)

Word order (Inversion for emphasis)

Examples by Level

これは大切（たいせつ）です。

This is important.

Using 'taisetsu' is the simplest way to show emphasis at A1.

とてもあついです。

It is very hot.

Adverbs like 'totemo' provide emphasis.

「ありがとう」を強（つよ）く言（い）います。

Say 'thank you' strongly.

Using 'tsuyoku' (strongly) is an A1 way to describe emphasis.

ここを見（み）てください。

Please look here.

Directing attention is a form of emphasis.

テストに出（で）るから大事（だいじ）です。

It's important because it will be on the test.

Explaining 'why' something is emphasized.

一番（いちばん）好（す）きな食（た）べ物（もの）は何（なん）ですか。

What is your favorite food?

'Ichiban' (number one) emphasizes a choice.

私（わたし）が行（い）きます。

I will go (emphasizing 'I').

The particle 'ga' can emphasize the subject.

本当（ほんとう）にうれしいです。

I am truly happy.

'Hontō ni' (truly) adds emphasis to feelings.

重要（じゅうよう）な言葉（ことば）を強調（きょうちょう）します。

I will emphasize the important words.

Introduction of the word 'kyōchō' in a simple context.

彼（かれ）は「行（い）かない」と強調（きょうちょう）した。

He emphasized that he 'won't go'.

Using 'kyōchō-shita' to report a strong statement.

この色（いろ）が強調（きょうちょう）されています。

This color is being emphasized.

Passive form 'kyōchō-sarete iru'.

プレゼンで一番（いちばん）強調（きょうちょう）したいことは何（なん）ですか。

What is the thing you want to emphasize most in the presentation?

Using 'kyōchō-shitai' (want to emphasize).

名前（なまえ）をはっきり強調（きょうちょう）して書（か）いてください。

Please write your name clearly and with emphasis.

Combining 'hakkiri' (clearly) with 'kyōchō'.

先生（せんせい）は宿題（しゅくだい）の期限（きげん）を強調（きょうちょう）した。

The teacher emphasized the deadline for the homework.

Direct object 'kigen' (deadline) with 'wo'.

太字（ふとじ）は強調（きょうちょう）の意味（いみ）です。

Bold text means emphasis.

Noun usage of 'kyōchō'.

もう一度（いちど）強調（きょうちょう）しておきます。

I will emphasize it once more (for future reference).

Using '~te oku' for preparation/emphasis.

報告書（ほうこくしょ）では、成功（せいこう）した点（てん）を強調（きょうちょう）した。

In the report, I emphasized the points that were successful.

B1 level business context.

彼女（かのじょ）は自分（じぶん）の意見（いけん）を強調（きょうちょう）しすぎた。

She over-emphasized her own opinion.

Using '~shisugita' (overdid).

このデザインは、自然（しぜん）との調和（ちょうわ）を強調（きょうちょう）している。

This design emphasizes harmony with nature.

Abstract concept 'chōwa' (harmony) as the object.

ニュース番組（ばんぐみ）は、事件（じけん）の危険性（きけんせい）を強調（きょうちょう）している。

The news program is emphasizing the danger of the incident.

Media context.

面接（めんせつ）では、自分（じぶん）の長所（ちょうしょ）を強調（きょうちょう）しましょう。

In the interview, let's emphasize your strengths.

Practical advice for B1 learners.

その歌手（かしゅ）は歌詞（かし）の一節（いっせつ）を強調（きょうちょう）して歌（うた）った。

The singer sang a verse of the lyrics with emphasis.

Describing artistic expression.

強調（きょうちょう）するために、赤（あか）いペンを使（つか）います。

I use a red pen to emphasize.

Expressing purpose with 'tame ni'.

政府（せいふ）は新（あたら）しい政策（せいさく）のメリットを強調（きょうちょう）した。

The government emphasized the benefits of the new policy.

Formal political context.

筆者（ひっしゃ）は、教育（きょういく）の重要性（じゅうようせい）を繰り返し（くりかえし）強調（きょうちょう）している。

The author repeatedly emphasizes the importance of education.

Analyzing text structure.

彼（かれ）はわざと皮肉（ひにく）な表現（ひょうげん）を強調（きょうちょう）した。

He deliberately emphasized the ironic expression.

Describing intent and nuance.

このデータは、環境（かんきょう）破壊（はかい）の深刻（しんこく）さを強調（きょうちょう）している。

This data emphasizes the seriousness of environmental destruction.

Data interpretation.

強調（きょうちょう）構文（こうぶん）を使（つか）って、主語（しゅご）をはっきりさせる。

Use an emphatic structure to make the subject clear.

Linguistic terminology 'kyōchō kōbun'.

彼（かれ）の沈黙（ちんもく）は、その場（ば）の緊張感（きんちょうかん）を強調（きょうちょう）した。

His silence emphasized the tension of the situation.

Abstract emphasis through action (silence).

広告（こうこく）では、製品（せいひん）の独自性（どくじせい）が強調（きょうちょう）されるべきだ。

In advertising, the uniqueness of the product should be emphasized.

Using '~beki' (should).

彼女（かのじょ）は、自分（じぶん）が被害者（ひがいしゃ）であることを強調（きょうちょう）した。

She emphasized that she was the victim.

Emphasizing a clause (koto).

この文章（ぶんしょう）では、どの部分（ぶぶん）が強調（きょうちょう）されていますか。

In this text, which part is being emphasized?

Reading comprehension question.

その政治家（せいじか）は、経済（けいざい）の安定（あんてい）を力説（りくせつ）し、不安（ふあん）を払拭（ふっしょく）しようとした。

The politician strongly emphasized economic stability to dispel anxiety.

Using 'rikusetsu' as a higher-level synonym for 'kyōchō'.

照明（しょうめい）を工夫（くふう）することで、彫刻（ちょうこく）の立体感（りったいかん）を強調（きょうちょう）する。

By devising the lighting, the three-dimensional effect of the sculpture is emphasized.

Technical/Artistic context.

彼（かれ）の言葉（ことば）の端々（はしばし）に、責任（せきにん）逃（のが）れの意図（いと）が強調（きょうちょう）されていた。

In every part of his words, the intention to evade responsibility was emphasized.

Nuanced observation of speech.

この論文（ろんぶん）は、先行（せんこう）研究（けんきゅう）の不備（ふび）を強調（きょうちょう）しすぎている感（かん）がある。

This paper feels like it over-emphasizes the flaws of previous research.

Critical academic analysis.

伝統（でんとう）文化（ぶんか）の保護（ほご）を強調（きょうちょう）するあまり、近代化（きんだいか）が遅（おく）れてしまった。

By emphasizing the protection of traditional culture too much, modernization was delayed.

Using '~amari' (too much/to the point that).

色彩（しきさい）の対比（たいひ）が、中央（ちゅうおう）の人物（じんぶつ）を際立（きわだ）たせ、強調（きょうちょう）している。

The contrast of colors makes the central figure stand out and emphasizes them.

Combining 'kiwadataseru' and 'kyōchō'.

交渉（こうしょう）において、譲歩（じょうほ）できない条件（じょうけん）を強調（きょうちょう）するのは定石（じょうせき）だ。

In negotiations, emphasizing non-negotiable conditions is a standard move.

Strategic business/legal context.

助詞（じょし）の「こそ」は、前（まえ）の語（ご）を強（つよ）く強調（きょうちょう）する働（はたら）きがある。

The particle 'koso' has the function of strongly emphasizing the preceding word.

Linguistic explanation.

言説（げんせつ）分析（ぶんせき）において、どの言辞（げんじ）が強調（きょうちょう）されるかは権力（けんりょく）構造（こうぞう）を反映（はんえい）する。

In discourse analysis, which words are emphasized reflects the power structure.

High-level social science context.

その建築家（けんちくか）は、機能性（きのうせい）と審美性（しんびせい）の相克（そうこく）を強調（きょうちょう）しつつ、新（あたら）しい地平（ちへい）を拓（ひら）いた。

The architect emphasized the conflict between functionality and aesthetics while opening new horizons.

Sophisticated vocabulary (sōkoku, chihei).

法廷（ほうてい）での証言（しょうげん）は、事実（じじつ）関係（かんけい）の断片（だんぺん）を恣意的（しいてき）に強調（きょうちょう）する危険（きけん）を孕（はら）んでいる。

Testimony in court carries the risk of arbitrarily emphasizing fragments of facts.

Legal/Philosophical nuance.

文脈（ぶんみゃく）からの逸脱（いつだつ）が、皮肉（ひにく）にも本来（ほんらい）の意図（いと）を強調（きょうちょう）する結果（けっか）となった。

Deviation from the context ironically resulted in emphasizing the original intention.

Paradoxical emphasis.

メタファーの使用（しよう）は、単（たん）なる修辞（しゅうじ）を超（こ）えて、特定（とくてい）の価値観（かちかん）を強調（きょうちょう）する装置（そうち）として機能（きのう）する。

The use of metaphor functions as a device to emphasize specific values beyond mere rhetoric.

Literary theory.

彼（かれ）の沈黙（ちんもく）は、饒舌（じょうぜつ）な弁明（べんめい）よりも雄弁（ゆうべん）に、その拒絶（きょぜつ）を強調（きょうちょう）していた。

His silence emphasized his rejection more eloquently than any talkative excuse.

Highly literary expression.

歴史（れきし）叙述（じょじゅつ）において、どの事件（じけん）を強調（きょうちょう）するかは、記述者（きじゅつしゃ）の史観（しかん）に左右（さゆう）される。

In historical narrative, which events are emphasized depends on the historian's view of history.

Historiographical analysis.

微細（びさい）な差異（さい）を強調（きょうちょう）することで、全体（ぜんたい）の調和（ちょうわ）をあえて崩（くず）す前衛（ぜんえい）的（てき）な手法（しゅほう）。

An avant-garde technique that deliberately disrupts the overall harmony by emphasizing minute differences.

Art criticism.

Synonyms

力説重視喧伝クローズアップ

Antonyms

軽視無視

Common Collocations

重要性を強調する (Emphasize the importance)

ポイントを強調する (Emphasize the point)

違いを強調する (Emphasize the difference)

必要性を強調する (Emphasize the necessity)

メリットを強調する (Emphasize the benefits)

事実を強調する (Emphasize the facts)

役割を強調する (Emphasize the role)

立場を強調する (Emphasize one's stance)

独自性を強調する (Emphasize uniqueness)

繰り返し強調する (Emphasize repeatedly)

Common Phrases

強調して言う (To say with emphasis)

強調点 (Point of emphasis)

強調材料 (Material for emphasis)

強調構文 (Emphatic structure)

強調されるべき (Should be emphasized)

強調しすぎる (To over-emphasize)

強調のあまり (Due to over-emphasis)

強調を置く (To place emphasis)

強調の一環として (As part of the emphasis)

強調が足りない (Lacking emphasis)

Often Confused With

強調 vs 協調 (Kyōchō)

強調 vs 強張る (Kowabaru)

強調 vs 矯正 (Kyōsei)

Idioms & Expressions

"言葉を強める (To strengthen one's words - similar to emphasizing)"

"念を押す (To make sure/To emphasize a reminder)"

"釘を刺す (To give a warning/To emphasize a point to prevent a mistake)"

"声を大にする (To speak loudly/To emphasize a point publicly)"

"筆を尽くす (To write in great detail - emphasizing through thoroughness)"

"目鼻をつける (To give shape/emphasis to something)"

"肝に銘じる (To engrave in one's heart - emphasizing the importance of remembering)"

"折り紙付き (Guaranteed/Emphasized quality)"

"一目置く (To recognize someone's superiority - emphasizing their skill)"

"眉に唾をつける (To take with a grain of salt - emphasizing skepticism)"

Easily Confused

強調 vs

Sentence Patterns

[A] は [B] を強調している。

[A] において [B] が強調されている。

[A] を強調するために [B] する。

[A] と強調して言う。

[A] の重要性を強調する。

[A] ではなく [B] を強調する。

繰り返し [A] を強調する。

特に [A] という点を強調したい。

How to Use It

formality

強調 is a formal word. In casual settings, 'tsuyoku iu' is more common.

visual vs verbal

It can be used for both visual (bold text) and verbal (speech) contexts.

negative connotation

強調しすぎる (over-emphasizing) can imply that someone is being too pushy or biased.

Common Mistakes

Using 協調 instead of 強調 in writing.
Using the particle 'に' (e.g., メリットに強調する).
Using 強調 for 'valuing' something internally.
Overusing 強調 in casual speech.
Confusing 強調 with 矯正 (correction).

Tips

Using the Passive

Use '強調されている' to describe what is already highlighted in a text or design. It sounds more objective and professional.

Pausing for Effect

In Japanese, a brief pause (ma) before the word you want to emphasize is often more effective than just saying it louder.

Highlighting in Reports

When writing business reports, use '強調' to introduce your key findings. It helps the reader find the most important information quickly.

Learn the Homophone

Always double-check the kanji for 'kyōchō'. Using '強調' (emphasis) when you mean '協調' (cooperation) is a very common mistake.

Subtle Emphasis

Remember that in Japanese, sometimes the *absence* of emphasis on other things is a way to emphasize one specific thing. This is a more 'indirect' style.

Spotting Kenten

When reading Japanese books, look for small dots (kenten) next to characters. This is the traditional way to 'kyōchō' words in print.

Catching the Main Point

When you hear '強調したいのは...', get ready! The speaker is about to tell you their most important point.

JLPT Context

In JLPT N2/N1 reading sections, questions often ask what the author is 'emphasizing'. Look for 'kyōchō' or its synonyms in the text.

Pitching

When pitching a product, clearly state '強調すべき点は3つあります' (There are three points that should be emphasized). It makes you sound organized.

Kanji Logic

Remember: 強 (Strong) + 調 (Tone). If you can remember the kanji meanings, the word's meaning becomes obvious.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Cultural Context

Over-emphasizing 'I' (watashi) can sound arrogant in Japanese.

Japanese uses 'kenten' (dots) or 'bōsen' (side lines) for emphasis in vertical text.

Japanese often uses particles like 'wa' or 'koso' for subtle emphasis instead of loud vocal stress.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"このプロジェクトで一番強調したいポイントは何ですか？ (What is the point you want to emphasize most in this project?)"

"最近のニュースで、政府は何を強調していますか？ (What has the government been emphasizing in recent news?)"

"あなたの長所を強調して自己紹介してください。 (Please introduce yourself, emphasizing your strengths.)"

"デザインにおいて、何を一番強調すべきだと思いますか？ (What do you think should be emphasized most in design?)"

"この文章の強調されている部分はどこですか？ (Where is the emphasized part of this sentence?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、誰かに自分の意見を強調して伝えた経験はありますか？ (Did you have an experience today where you emphasized your opinion to someone?)

あなたが人生で最も強調したい価値観は何ですか？ (What is the value you want to emphasize most in your life?)

仕事や勉強で、最近強調されたアドバイスは何ですか？ (What is some advice that was recently emphasized to you in work or study?)

もし本を書くなら、どんなテーマを強調したいですか？ (If you were to write a book, what theme would you want to emphasize?)

「強調」と「協調」、どちらが今の社会に必要だと思いますか？ (Which do you think is more necessary for society today: emphasis or cooperation?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

強調 is the act of showing or telling others that something is important. 重視 is the internal belief or stance that something is important. You 'jūshi' a value in your heart, and you 'kyōchō' it in your speech.

Yes, it is very common to say '太字で強調する' (emphasize with bold text) or '色を変えて強調する' (emphasize by changing the color).

Yes, it is relatively formal. In very casual conversation, you might say 'tsuyoku iu' (say strongly) or 'oshi-makuru' (push hard) instead.

Focus on the kanji. 強 (Strong) is for emphasis. 協 (Together/Cooperate) is for cooperation. Think of 'Strong Tone' vs. 'Together Tone'.

Use the particle 'を' for the thing you are emphasizing. For example: 'メリットを強調する'.

Not usually as a direct object. You don't 'emphasize a person' unless you mean emphasizing their role or presence in a specific context (e.g., emphasizing the main character in a play).

It refers to 'emphatic structures' in grammar, such as using 'koso', 'sae', or specific sentence patterns to highlight a part of the sentence.

Yes. 力説 (Rikusetsu) is much more forceful and passionate. It implies trying to convince someone. 強調 is more neutral and can be used for simple highlighting.

Yes, you can use it to describe emphasizing certain notes or rhythms (強調音).

You can say '強調しすぎる' (kyōchō-shisugi) or '過度に強調する' (kado ni kyōchō-suru).