To highlight a specific point or feature to ensure it is noticed by others.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To make something stand out or appear more important.
- Used to draw attention to specific details or opinions.
- Commonly used in professional and academic communication.
Overview
- 1概要：「強調する」は、特定の情報や価値を他よりも際立たせるための動詞です。会話、文章、プレゼンテーションなど、相手に何かを強く伝えたい場面で不可欠な表現です。2) 使用パターン：名詞を目的語にとり「〜を強調する」という形が一般的です。また、「〜という点を強調する」のように、節を伴うこともあります。3) 一般的な文脈：ビジネスでの提案、教育現場での重要な説明、あるいは自分の意見を主張する際に頻繁に登場します。また、視覚的なデザインや色使いについて語る際にも使われます。4) 類語との比較：「力説する」は自分の意見を強く主張するというニュアンスが強く、「強調する」よりも感情的です。「重視する」は物事を大切に扱うという価値判断に重点があり、単に目立たせる「強調」とは焦点が異なります。
Examples
先生は試験に出る範囲を強調した。
everydayThe teacher emphasized the material that would be on the exam.
この報告書では、コスト削減の必要性を強調しています。
formalThis report emphasizes the need for cost reduction.
もっと声を大きくして強調してよ。
informalSpeak louder and emphasize it.
本研究は、地域社会との連携を強調するものである。
academicThis research emphasizes the collaboration with the local community.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
あえて強調する
to dare to emphasize
強調されるべき
should be emphasized
強調しすぎる
to overemphasize
Often Confused With
Refers to arguing a point passionately. It is more subjective and emotional than 'kyouchou suru'.
Means to place high value on something. It is about your attitude toward the object, not necessarily making it visible.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral to formal and is widely used in both professional and educational settings. It is a transitive verb, so it requires an object marked with the particle 'o'. Avoid using it too frequently in a single paragraph, or it will lose its impact.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse it with 'juushi suru' (to value). Remember that 'kyouchou' is about making something stand out, while 'juushi' is about how much you care about it. Also, ensure the particle 'o' is used correctly with the object.
Tips
Use it to clarify your main point
When presenting, use this word to signal to your audience that the following information is the most important part of your speech.
Avoid overusing the word
If you emphasize everything, nothing stands out. Use it selectively for the most critical information only.
High context communication
In Japanese culture, emphasizing points clearly is valued in business to avoid ambiguity, as Japanese is often a high-context language.
Word Origin
Derived from the kanji '強' (strong) and '調' (tone/tune). Literally meaning to 'strengthen the tone' or 'make the tone prominent'.
Cultural Context
In Japanese business culture, clarity is essential. Using 'kyouchou' helps demonstrate that you have analyzed the situation and identified the key priorities.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Kyo' (strong) + 'Cho' (pull/stretch). You are pulling the focus toward a specific point to make it stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「強調する」は客観的な重要性を指摘する際にも使えますが、「力説する」は自分の意見を相手に納得させようと熱心に話すという主観的なニュアンスが強いです。
はい、使えます。例えば「欠点を強調する」のように、悪い部分が目立ってしまう状況を説明する際にも使用されます。
全く問題ありません。むしろ重要なポイントを明確にするために「〜という点を強調したく存じます」といった表現は、論理的で丁寧な印象を与えます。
文脈によりますが、「軽視する（重要視しない）」や「弱める（目立たなくする）」が対義語として挙げられます。
Test Yourself
会議で、リーダーはスケジュールの重要性を___。
過去の出来事として、文脈に合う適切な活用形です。
このデザインは赤色を強調しています。
強調するとは、ある要素を際立たせることを意味します。
（私は / 重要性を / チームの / 強調した / 協力の）
主語、目的語、述語の日本語の基本語順です。
Score: /3
Summary
To highlight a specific point or feature to ensure it is noticed by others.
- To make something stand out or appear more important.
- Used to draw attention to specific details or opinions.
- Commonly used in professional and academic communication.
Use it to clarify your main point
When presenting, use this word to signal to your audience that the following information is the most important part of your speech.
Avoid overusing the word
If you emphasize everything, nothing stands out. Use it selectively for the most critical information only.
High context communication
In Japanese culture, emphasizing points clearly is valued in business to avoid ambiguity, as Japanese is often a high-context language.
Examples
4 of 4先生は試験に出る範囲を強調した。
The teacher emphasized the material that would be on the exam.
この報告書では、コスト削減の必要性を強調しています。
This report emphasizes the need for cost reduction.
もっと声を大きくして強調してよ。
Speak louder and emphasize it.
本研究は、地域社会との連携を強調するものである。
This research emphasizes the collaboration with the local community.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
絶対的
B2Absolute; not qualified or diminished in any way; total.
絶対的に
B1In a complete, unconditional, or conclusive manner; absolutely.
抽象的だ
B1Abstract; existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
抽象
B2Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence. It refers to generalizing or extracting the essence of something away from specific details.
抽象的に
B1In an abstract or theoretical manner.
学術的な
B1Academic, scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学術的だ
B1Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術的
B2Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術
B1Academia; scholarship; relating to scholarly pursuits.
学力
B1Academic ability; a person's level of knowledge and skill in academic subjects.
