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C1 adjective #4,000 most common 10 min read

顕著

kencho Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 顕著 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 顕著 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 顕著 (kencho) yourself, as it is quite advanced and formal. However, it's helpful to know that it simply means 'very clear' or 'easy to see.' If you see this word, think of it like a giant neon sign pointing at something. In simple Japanese, we would use words like 'とても分かりやすい' (totemo wakariyasui - very easy to understand) or 'はっきり見える' (hakkiri mieru - can see clearly). Imagine you are looking at two pictures. If one picture is very bright and the other is very dark, the difference is 'kencho.' At this stage, just remember the sound 'kencho' and associate it with the idea of something standing out. You might see it on news programs if you watch Japanese TV, even if you don't understand the rest of the sentence. It's a 'professional' way to say something is obvious. Don't worry about the kanji yet; just focus on the concept of 'striking' or 'remarkable.'

For A2 learners, 顕著 (kencho) is a word you might encounter in reading materials about Japanese society or the environment. It is a 'na-adjective,' which means you use it with 'na' before a noun, like 'kencho-na henka' (a remarkable change). While you would still use 'medatsu' (to stand out) in your daily conversation, you should start recognizing 顕著 in formal contexts. For example, if a textbook says 'The difference between summer and winter is kencho,' it means the difference is very easy to notice. You can think of it as a more grown-up version of 'sugoi' (great/amazing) when describing a change or a trend. Practice seeing the word and identifying what is being described as 'striking.' Is it a change in the weather? Is it a difference in price? Understanding that 顕著 points to a clear, visible fact will help you as you move toward intermediate Japanese. You don't need to use it in your speaking tests yet, but recognizing it in a reading passage will earn you extra points in your mind!

At the B1 level, you should begin to understand the specific nuance of 顕著 (kencho) compared to other words for 'clear.' This word is used when there is evidence or a pattern. It's very common in 'Report' style Japanese. For instance, if you are writing about your study habits, you might say, 'My progress is kencho' (進歩が顕著だ - shinpo ga kencho da). This sounds much more objective and impressive than just saying 'I'm getting better.' You should also learn the adverbial form '顕著に' (kencho-ni). This is used with verbs like '現れる' (arawareru - to appear) or '変化する' (henka suru - to change). A common sentence pattern at this level would be: 'The results of my hard work appeared remarkably (kencho-ni) in my grades.' This word helps you move away from simple adjectives and toward more sophisticated, descriptive language. Start looking for this word in news articles or longer reading comprehension tasks. It often signals a key point or a main finding in a text.

B2 learners are expected to use 顕著 (kencho) in formal writing and academic discussions. You should be able to distinguish it from '著しい' (ichijirushii). Remember: 顕著 focuses on the *clarity* of manifestation, while 著しい focuses on the *degree* of change. If you are writing an essay about the Japanese economy, you might write about the '顕著な格差' (kencho-na kakusa - remarkable disparity) between different social classes. This word is essential for the JLPT N2 level. You should also be comfortable using it to describe patterns in data. For example, 'The trend of urbanization is kencho.' In business meetings, using this word shows that you have a high level of professional Japanese. Instead of saying 'The problem is clear,' say 'The problem is kencho.' This implies that the problem is not just obvious, but that there is visible evidence for it. You should also be aware of its collocations, such as '顕著な例' (a striking example) or '顕著な傾向' (a remarkable trend).

At the C1 level, you should have a deep mastery of 顕著 (kencho) and its role in analytical Japanese. You should understand its etymology—how the kanji 'manifest' and 'stand out' combine to describe a phenomenon that has moved from the background to the foreground of observation. You should be able to use it to describe subtle sociological shifts, medical symptoms, or legal evidence. At this level, you can use it to create nuance. For example, you might argue that while a change is 'kencho' (clearly visible), its underlying causes remain 'fumei' (unclear). This contrast shows a high level of linguistic control. You should also be able to recognize it in classical-style formal writing or high-level editorials. It is a word that provides a 'scientific' or 'objective' flavor to your arguments. When you use 顕著, you are signaling that your observation is based on clear, undeniable evidence. It is a key tool for anyone aiming for the JLPT N1 or working in a high-level professional environment in Japan.

For C2 learners, 顕著 (kencho) is a foundational element of sophisticated discourse. You should be able to use it with perfect precision, perhaps even discussing its usage in historical texts or its evolution in modern bureaucratic Japanese. You should be able to distinguish it from highly specific synonyms like '明白' (meihaku), '判然' (hanzen), or '顕在' (kenzai). A C2 speaker might use 顕著 to describe a 'manifest' shift in philosophical thought or a 'striking' divergence in linguistic data. You should also be adept at using it in its various grammatical forms within complex, multi-clause sentences. For example: 'The fact that the regional disparity, which had been subtle for decades, has now become kencho, suggests a fundamental failure in current policy.' At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for precise logical framing. You should also understand its use in specialized fields, such as '顕著な差異' in statistical analysis, where it implies a level of significance that goes beyond mere observation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

顕著 in 30 Seconds

顕著 (kencho) means 'remarkable' or 'striking.' It describes things that are very easy to see and stand out clearly.
It is a formal na-adjective used in news, business, and science to talk about clear trends or data.
Commonly used in patterns like '顕著な変化' (remarkable change) or '顕著に現れる' (appears remarkably).
Avoid using it in casual conversation for small things; it's best for significant, objective observations.

The Japanese word 顕著 (kencho) is a high-level na-adjective that translates primarily to 'remarkable,' 'striking,' 'conspicuous,' or 'notable.' While English speakers might use 'obvious' for many situations, 顕著 is reserved for contexts where a specific trend, change, or characteristic has become so clear that it cannot be overlooked. It carries a formal, analytical tone, making it a staple in news reporting, scientific papers, economic summaries, and professional evaluations. When you use this word, you aren't just saying something is 'easy to see'; you are suggesting that the visibility of the subject has significant meaning or represents a definitive shift in data or reality.

Visual Manifestation: The kanji 顕 (ken) means to manifest or reveal, while 著 (cho) means to stand out or be renowned. Together, they describe something that has fully emerged into the light of observation.

Imagine looking at a graph of global temperatures over the last century. The sharp upward curve in the last decade would be described as 顕著. It is not a subtle wiggle; it is a striking development. Similarly, if a student who used to struggle suddenly starts scoring perfect marks, that improvement is 顕著. It is a word used by experts and observers to point out evidence that supports a conclusion.

今年の冬は、例年に比べて気温の変化が非常に顕著だ。
(This winter, the changes in temperature are extremely remarkable compared to average years.)

In sociological discussions, you might hear about the 顕著な少子高齢化 (kencho-na shoushi koureika), or the 'striking trend of the declining birthrate and aging population.' Here, the word emphasizes that the statistics are clear and the social impact is undeniable. It is a word of weight and clarity, often paired with the particle 'に' (ni) to function as an adverb: 顕著に現れる (kencho ni arawareru - to appear remarkably).

Grammatical Note: As a na-adjective, it follows the pattern: [Noun] + は + 顕著だ (is remarkable) or 顕著な + [Noun] (remarkable noun).

新しい政策の効果が、経済指標に顕著に現れている。
(The effects of the new policy are appearing remarkably in economic indicators.)

The word is also frequent in medical contexts. A doctor might note that a patient's recovery is 顕著, meaning the symptoms have visibly diminished in a way that confirms the treatment is working. It is a word of confirmation. It bridges the gap between raw data and human observation, providing a label for things that have crossed the threshold from 'subtle' to 'undeniable.'

Comparative Nuance: Unlike 'medatsu' (to stand out), which can be used for a bright red shirt or a loud person, 'kencho' implies a systematic or structural clarity that is often backed by facts or logic.

Using 顕著 correctly requires an understanding of its formal register. It is most commonly found in written reports, academic papers, and news broadcasts. When used in a sentence, it often modifies nouns like 'difference' (差異 - sai), 'trend' (傾向 - keikou), or 'effect' (効果 - kouka). The goal is to highlight a contrast or a progression that is statistically or visually significant.

Modification of Nouns: When acting as an adjective, you use the 'na' particle. For example: 顕著な進歩 (kencho-na shinpo - remarkable progress).

In business settings, you might describe market changes. If a competitor's market share drops significantly, you would say their decline is 顕著. This indicates that the decline is not a fluke but a clear pattern. It is often used with the verb '現れる' (arawareru - to appear) or '見られる' (mirareru - to be seen) to describe how a phenomenon manifests in the real world.

都市部と地方の格差が顕著になってきている。
(The disparity between urban and rural areas is becoming remarkable.)

Another common pattern is '顕著に' (kencho-ni) used as an adverb. This is perfect for describing *how* something is changing. For instance, 'The impact of aging is remarkably appearing in the workforce.' By using the adverbial form, you focus on the intensity of the manifestation rather than just the state of the subject.

Comparative Contexts: It is frequently used when comparing two groups. 'The difference between Group A and Group B is kencho' suggests a gap that is impossible to ignore.

両者の主張には、顕著な隔たりがある。
(There is a striking gap between the claims of both parties.)

When discussing personality or behavior, 顕著 can describe a trait that stands out above all others. If a child shows a 'remarkable' talent for music, 顕著な才能 (kencho-na sainou) is an appropriate, albeit formal, way to describe it. However, in daily conversation, Japanese people might prefer '目立つ' (medatsu) or 'すごい' (sugoi). Using 顕著 in person-to-person talk can make you sound like a researcher or a news anchor.

Scientific Usage: In lab results, if a chemical reaction produces a 'striking' color change, that is a 顕著な変化 (kencho-na henka).

その病気の症状は、夜間に顕著に現れる傾向がある。
(The symptoms of that disease tend to appear remarkably at night.)

While you might not hear 顕著 while buying vegetables at a supermarket, it is ubiquitous in the 'serious' world of Japanese media and professional life. If you turn on NHK News (Japan's public broadcaster), you will hear it almost daily. News anchors use it to describe economic data, such as a 'remarkable rise in consumer prices' (消費者物価の顕著な上昇 - shouhisha bukka no kencho-na joushou) or 'striking changes in the political landscape.'

The Newsroom: In reporting, 'kencho' provides an objective-sounding way to highlight significant facts without sounding overly emotional or biased.

In the corporate world, 顕著 is a favorite during quarterly presentations. A CEO might point to a slide and say, 'The growth in our digital division is kencho.' This signals to shareholders that the growth isn't just a minor fluctuation but a solid, visible trend. It's a word that builds confidence through clarity. If you are working in a Japanese office, you will see it in emails summarizing project results or analyzing market trends.

最近、若者の間でのSNS離れが顕著だと言われている。
(It is said that the trend of young people moving away from SNS is becoming remarkable lately.)

Academia is another primary home for this word. Research papers use 顕著 to describe 'statistically significant' results. For example, 'A remarkable difference was observed between the control group and the experimental group.' Because it implies that something is 'clearly manifest,' it fits perfectly with the scientific method's focus on observable evidence.

You might also encounter it in legal or governmental documents. When the government issues a 'White Paper' (hakusho) on the economy or the environment, 顕著 is used to justify new policies. If a problem is 'kencho,' it means it is visible enough to require immediate action. It carries the weight of authority.

Environmental Reports: Climate change is often discussed using this word: 'The melting of glaciers is kencho.' It emphasizes the undeniable physical evidence.

温暖化の影響は、北極の氷の減少に最も顕著に現れている。
(The effects of global warming are appearing most remarkably in the decrease of Arctic ice.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with 顕著 (kencho) is using it in a register that is too casual. Because it translates to 'obvious' or 'striking,' learners might be tempted to use it when talking to friends. For example, saying 'Your new shoes are kencho' (新しい靴が顕著ですね) sounds like you are a scientist analyzing the footwear's impact on fashion trends rather than a friend giving a compliment. For casual situations, '目立つ' (medatsu - stands out) is far more natural.

Register Mismatch: Mistake: Using 'kencho' for personal appearance or minor daily observations. Correct: Use it for data, trends, and significant phenomena.

Another common error is confusing 顕著 with '著しい' (ichijirushii). While they are very similar, '著しい' often emphasizes the *degree* or *speed* of change, whereas '顕著' emphasizes the *clarity* or *visibility* of the manifestation. If something is changing very fast, '著しい' is often better. If something is very clearly different from something else, '顕著' is usually the choice.

× 彼の怒りは顕著だ。
○ 彼の怒りは明らかだ。
(Don't use 'kencho' for simple emotions; use 'akiraka' - clear/obvious.)

A subtle grammatical mistake involves the particle usage. Some learners try to use it with 'を' (wo) as if it were a transitive verb. Remember, 顕著 is a na-adjective. You describe a *state* (〜は顕著だ) or a *manner* (〜に顕著に現れる). You don't 'kencho' something.

Finally, watch out for 'over-quantification.' While 顕著 is used with data, saying '1+1=2 is kencho' is incorrect. It must be something that *manifests* or *reveals* itself through evidence, not just a simple mathematical fact. It requires a subject that could potentially have been hidden or subtle but has now become striking.

Confusing with 'Yumei' (Famous): Sometimes learners think 'remarkable' means 'famous.' They might say 'A kencho actor.' This is wrong. Use 'yumei' or 'cho-mei' (renowned) for people.

× 顕著な歌手 (A remarkable singer)
○ 著名な歌手 (A renowned singer)
(Use 'chomei-na' for famous people.)

To master 顕著, you must understand its neighbors in the Japanese vocabulary. The most common alternative is 著しい (ichijirushii). While both mean 'remarkable,' 著しい often focuses on the degree of change or progress. If a company's profits grow by 500%, that is 'ichijirushii' growth. If the *fact* that they are growing is what stands out compared to everyone else, it is 'kencho.'

顕著 vs. 著しい: 顕著 (Kencho): Striking clarity/visibility. (e.g., A clear difference).
著しい (Ichijirushii): Great degree/speed. (e.g., Rapid development).

Another similar word is 明白 (meihaku), which means 'obvious' or 'clear as day.' 明白 is used when there is no doubt about a fact. For example, 'It is 明白 that he lied.' In contrast, 顕著 is used for phenomena that show themselves through evidence. You wouldn't say 'His lie was kencho' unless you were looking at a polygraph graph showing a huge spike.

景気の回復が著しい。
(The economic recovery is remarkable [in its speed/degree].)

For a more casual alternative, use 目立つ (medatsu). This verb is the workhorse of daily life. It describes anything that catches the eye, from a tall person in a crowd to a stain on a shirt. 顕著 is the academic version of 目立つ. If you are writing a diary, use 目立つ. If you are writing a thesis, use 顕著.

Other Alternatives: 際立つ (kiwadatsu): To stand out sharply (often used for beauty or skill).
明白 (meihaku): Clear and obvious (often used for truths or errors).
露骨 (rokotsu): Blatant or conspicuous (often with a negative, 'too much' nuance).

Finally, consider 鮮明 (senmei), which means 'vivid' or 'clear.' This is used for memories, images, or colors. While 顕著 describes a phenomenon being clear, 鮮明 describes the *quality* of the clarity. If a memory is 'senmei,' it’s like a photograph. If a trend is 'kencho,' it's like a clear line on a graph.

不況の影響が、地方の商店街に顕著に現れている。
(The effects of the recession are remarkably appearing in local shopping streets.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'cho' in 'kencho' is the same character used in 'chosha' (author). This is because an author's name 'stands out' on their work, or their work 'manifests' their thoughts.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kɛntʃoʊ/

US /kɛntʃoʊ/

Japanese has pitch accent. In 'kencho', the pitch starts low on 'ke' and rises on 'n-cho' (Low-High-High).

Rhymes With

Tencho (Manager) Encho (Extension) Sencho (Captain) Rencho (Continuous) Mencho (Facial boil) Gencho (Original work) Dencho (Battery - archaic) Bencho (Toilet - very vulgar/archaic)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'cho' like 'show'. It should be a hard 'ch'.
Making the 'n' too loud. It should be a subtle nasal transition.
Forgetting the long 'o' at the end (kenchoo).
Using English-style stress on the first syllable.
Confusing the reading with 'kensho' (prizes/verification).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The kanji 顕 is complex and primarily used in high-level texts.

Writing 5/5

Writing 顕 by hand is difficult due to the number of strokes (18).

Speaking 3/5

The pronunciation is simple, but choosing the right context is tricky.

Listening 3/5

Easy to hear, but can be confused with other 'ken' words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

目立つ明らか変化違い現れる

Learn Next

著しい明白示唆反映格差

Advanced

顕在化乖離看取露呈均質化

Grammar to Know

Na-Adjective Modification

顕著な + Noun (e.g., 顕著な例)

Adverbialization with 'ni'

顕著に + Verb (e.g., 顕著に現れる)

State of Being with 'da/desu'

Noun + は + 顕著だ。

Formal State with 'de aru'

差異は顕著である。

Becoming with 'ni naru'

傾向が顕著になる。

Examples by Level

その違いは顕著です。

That difference is remarkable/clear.

Simple [Noun] wa [Adjective] desu structure.

顕著な変化があります。

There is a remarkable change.

Using 'na' to modify a noun.

この色は顕著だ。

This color is striking.

Informal 'da' ending.

顕著な例を見ましょう。

Let's look at a clear example.

Polite 'mashou' form.

結果は顕著でした。

The result was remarkable.

Past tense 'deshita'.

顕著な進歩ですね。

That's remarkable progress, isn't it?

Using 'ne' for agreement.

顕著に違います。

It is remarkably different.

Adverbial 'ni' form.

顕著な特徴は何ですか？

What is the striking feature?

Question form.

最近、気温の変化が顕著だ。

Lately, the change in temperature is remarkable.

Using 'saikin' (lately) as a time marker.

新しい薬の効果は顕著だった。

The effect of the new medicine was remarkable.

Noun modification with 'no'.

彼の才能は顕著に現れている。

His talent is appearing remarkably.

Adverbial 'ni' with the verb 'arawareru'.

顕著な差はありません。

There is no remarkable difference.

Negative form 'arimasen'.

このグラフには顕著な傾向がある。

There is a remarkable trend in this graph.

Using 'ni wa' for location/context.

練習の成果が顕著に出た。

The results of practice came out remarkably.

Using 'de-ta' (came out/appeared).

顕著な改善が見られます。

A remarkable improvement can be seen.

Passive potential form 'mirareru'.

都会では人口減少が顕著だ。

In cities, population decline is remarkable.

Topic marker 'wa' with a location 'dewa'.

少子化の影響が顕著になってきた。

The effects of the declining birthrate have become remarkable.

Using 'ni natte kita' to show a developing state.

両者の意見には顕著な違いがある。

There is a remarkable difference between the opinions of both parties.

Using 'ryousha' (both parties).

この地域では温暖化が顕著に進んでいる。

In this region, global warming is progressing remarkably.

Adverbial 'ni' modifying the verb 'susunde iru'.

不況の影響が顕著に現れている。

The effects of the recession are appearing remarkably.

Standard 'ni arawarete iru' pattern.

顕著な功績を認められた。

His remarkable achievements were recognized.

Passive verb 'mitomerareta'.

データの間に顕著な相関が見られる。

A remarkable correlation is seen between the data.

Academic term 'soukan' (correlation).

彼の態度の変化は顕著だった。

The change in his attitude was remarkable.

Describing a psychological/behavioral shift.

顕著な成果を上げることは難しい。

It is difficult to achieve remarkable results.

Using 'koto wa muzukashii' to describe difficulty.

経済格差の拡大が顕著な社会問題となっている。

The widening economic gap is becoming a remarkable social problem.

Using 'to natte iru' for a current status.

若者のテレビ離れが顕著に進んでいると言わざるを得ない。

I have to say that young people moving away from TV is progressing remarkably.

Using 'to iwazaru wo enai' (cannot help but say).

市場の動向が、売上に顕著に反映されている。

Market trends are being remarkably reflected in sales.

Passive 'han'ei sarete iru'.

顕著な自覚症状がない場合もある。

There are cases where there are no remarkable subjective symptoms.

Medical term 'jikaku shoujou'.

開発途上国において、都市化の傾向は顕著である。

In developing countries, the trend of urbanization is remarkable.

Formal 'ni oite' (in/at) and 'de aru'.

この二つの物質の反応には顕著な差が見られた。

A remarkable difference was seen in the reaction of these two substances.

Scientific observation style.

政策の転換により、景気回復が顕著になった。

Due to the shift in policy, the economic recovery became remarkable.

Using 'ni yori' (due to).

彼の作品には、独自のスタイルが顕著に現れている。

In his works, a unique style is remarkably apparent.

Describing artistic style.

現代社会における個人主義の台頭は、極めて顕著な現象だ。

The rise of individualism in modern society is an extremely remarkable phenomenon.

Using 'kiwamete' (extremely) for emphasis.

その論文は、顕著な独創性と緻密な論理構成で高く評価された。

The paper was highly evaluated for its remarkable originality and meticulous logical structure.

Noun-heavy formal description.

気候変動の兆候は、高山地帯の植生の変化に顕著に現れている。

Signs of climate change are remarkably appearing in the changes in vegetation in high mountain areas.

Specific environmental vocabulary.

両国の文化的背景の相違が、交渉の過程で顕著に露呈した。

The differences in the cultural backgrounds of both countries were remarkably exposed during the negotiation process.

Using 'rotei shita' (were exposed/revealed).

この統計データからは、消費者の嗜好の多様化が顕著に読み取れる。

From this statistical data, the diversification of consumer preferences can be remarkably read.

Using 'yomitoreru' (can be read/interpreted).

顕著な功績を残した歴史的人物について研究する。

We will study historical figures who left remarkable achievements.

Relative clause modifying 'jinbutsu'.

過疎化が進む農村部では、空き家の増加が顕著な課題となっている。

In rural areas where depopulation is progressing, the increase in vacant houses is becoming a remarkable issue.

Describing a social 'kadai' (issue/challenge).

技術革新のスピードは、IT業界において最も顕著である。

The speed of technological innovation is most remarkable in the IT industry.

Superlative 'mottomo' (most).

構造改革の進展に伴い、産業構造の転換が顕著なものとなった。

With the progress of structural reform, the shift in the industrial structure became remarkable.

Using 'ni tomonai' (along with/accompanying).

言説の変遷を辿ると、当時の社会不安が顕著に投影されていることが分かる。

Tracing the transition of discourse, we can see that the social anxiety of the time is remarkably projected.

Using 'touei sarete iru' (is being projected).

法的解釈の不一致が、本件の争点として顕著に浮かび上がった。

The disagreement in legal interpretation emerged remarkably as the point of contention in this case.

Legal term 'shouten' (point of contention).

グローバル化の進展は、言語の均質化という形で顕著に現れつつある。

The progress of globalization is remarkably appearing in the form of linguistic homogenization.

Using 'tsutsu aru' (is in the process of).

顕著な差異を見出すことが困難なほど、両者は酷似している。

The two are so closely similar that it is difficult to find a remarkable difference.

Using 'miidasu' (to find/discover) and 'kokuji' (close resemblance).

その哲学的言説には、実存主義の影響が顕著に看取される。

In that philosophical discourse, the influence of existentialism is remarkably observed.

High-level verb 'kanshushu sareru' (to be observed/perceived).

市場の飽和状態が、価格競争の激化という形で顕著に表面化した。

The market saturation remarkably surfaced in the form of intensifying price competition.

Using 'hyoumenka shita' (surfaced/became manifest).

顕著な変化を伴わない漸進的な改革こそが、社会の安定に寄与する。

It is precisely gradual reforms without remarkable changes that contribute to social stability.

Using 'koso' for emphasis.

Synonyms

目立つ著しい明らかな際立つ明白な歴然とした

Antonyms

わずかな微弱な隠れた

Common Collocations

顕著な例

顕著な変化

顕著に現れる

顕著な傾向

顕著な差異

顕著な成果

顕著な特徴

顕著な進歩

顕著な改善

顕著な回復

Common Phrases

顕著な効果を発揮する

— To demonstrate a remarkable effect. Used for medicine or strategies.

この新薬は顕著な効果を発揮した。

顕著な差が出る

— A striking difference appears. Used in comparisons.

テストの結果、顕著な差が出た。

顕著な伸びを見せる

— To show a remarkable growth. Often used for sales or scores.

売上が顕著な伸びを見せている。

顕著な対照をなす

— To form a striking contrast.

新旧の建物が顕著な対照をなしている。

顕著な足跡を残す

— To leave a remarkable mark (legacy). Used for famous people.

彼は医学界に顕著な足跡を残した。

顕著な兆候

— A striking sign or symptom.

病気の顕著な兆候は見られない。

顕著な実績

— Remarkable actual results/track record.

彼は顕著な実績を持っている。

顕著な衰退

— A remarkable decline.

伝統文化の顕著な衰退が懸念される。

顕著な影響を及ぼす

— To exert a remarkable influence.

その事件は政治に顕著な影響を及ぼした。

顕著な不足

— A striking shortage.

人手不足が顕著な問題となっている。

Often Confused With

顕著 vs 著しい

Ichijirushii focuses on degree/speed; Kencho focuses on clarity of manifestation.

顕著 vs 著名

Chomei means famous/renowned (for people); Kencho means striking (for phenomena).

顕著 vs 検証

Kensho means verification/inspection; phonetically similar but different meaning.

Idioms & Expressions

"顕著な例を挙げる"

— To cite a striking example. Used in arguments.

顕著な例を挙げれば、きりがない。

Formal

"顕著に浮かび上がる"

— To emerge remarkably. Used for problems or features.

社会の矛盾が顕著に浮かび上がった。

Formal

"顕著な色を呈する"

— To take on a striking color/character.

政治色が顕著なイベントだ。

Literary

"顕著な進展を見る"

— To see remarkable progress.

交渉は顕著な進展を見た。

Formal

"顕著な変化を遂げる"

— To undergo a remarkable change.

街は十年で顕著な変化を遂げた。

Formal

"顕著な差を設ける"

— To establish a striking difference.

サービスの内容に顕著な差を設ける。

Business

"顕著な不利益を被る"

— To suffer a remarkable disadvantage.

契約により顕著な不利益を被った。

Legal

"顕著な成功を収める"

— To achieve a remarkable success.

彼は事業で顕著な成功を収めた。

Formal

"顕著な対立を見せる"

— To show a striking opposition.

両派は顕著な対立を見せている。

Formal

"顕著な不足をきたす"

— To lead to a striking shortage.

供給が滞り、顕著な不足をきたした。

Formal

Easily Confused

顕著 vs 目立つ

Both mean 'stand out.'

Medatsu is for anything that catches the eye (like a red shirt). Kencho is for structural or data-driven clarity.

派手な服が目立つ (Loud clothes stand out). vs. 経済の回復が顕著だ (Economic recovery is remarkable).

顕著 vs 明白

Both mean 'clear.'

Meihaku means 'obvious/no doubt.' Kencho means 'manifestly visible/striking.'

彼が犯人なのは明白だ (It's obvious he's the culprit). vs. 犯行の手口に顕著な特徴がある (There are striking features in the MO).

顕著 vs 際立つ

Both mean 'stand out.'

Kiwadatsu often implies excellence or a sharp contrast in quality/beauty.

彼女の才能が際立っている (Her talent stands out sharply).

顕著 vs 著しい

Both are formal for 'remarkable.'

Ichijirushii is used for the *amount* of change. Kencho is used for the *visibility* of change.

人口が著しく減少した (Population decreased remarkably [a lot]). vs. 人口減少の傾向が顕著だ (The trend of decrease is remarkable [clearly visible]).

顕著 vs 露骨

Both mean 'conspicuous.'

Rokotsu is negative, meaning 'blatant' or 'unconcealed' in a way that is usually rude.

露骨な嫌悪感 (Blatant disgust).

Sentence Patterns

〜は顕著です。

変化は顕著です。

顕著な〜が見られる。

顕著な改善が見られる。

顕著に〜する。

顕著に成績が上がった。

〜の影響が顕著に現れている。

不況の影響が顕著に現れている。

〜の傾向が顕著だ。

少子化の傾向が顕著だ。

極めて顕著な〜である。

極めて顕著な事例である。

〜において顕著に見られる。

若者の間で顕著に見られる。

顕著な差異を見出す。

データから顕著な差異を見出す。

Word Family

Nouns

顕著性 Salience / Conspicuousness

Verbs

顕在化する To become manifest/actualized

Adjectives

顕著な Remarkable/Striking

顕微鏡 (Microscope)

著作 (Writing/Book)

著者 (Author)

顕彰 (Honoring/Public recognition)

顕然 (Obvious/Evident)

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal/written contexts; Low in daily spoken conversation.

Common Mistakes

新しい服が顕著ですね。 → 新しい服、目立ちますね。
顕著 is too formal for clothes. Use 'medatsu' (stands out) for fashion.
顕著な歌手になりたい。 → 著名な歌手になりたい。
Use 'chomei' (famous/renowned) for people, not 'kencho'.
1足す1は2なのは顕著だ。 → 1足す1は2なのは明白だ。
Simple mathematical facts are 'meihaku' (obvious), not 'kencho' (strikingly manifest).
彼は顕著に怒った。 → 彼は明らかに怒った。
Personal emotions are usually 'akiraka' (clear) or 'rokotsu' (blatant), not 'kencho'.
顕著い変化。 → 顕著な変化。
顕著 is a na-adjective, not an i-adjective. You must use 'na'.

Tips

Formal Reports

When writing a business or school report, use 顕著 to highlight your main findings. It makes your analysis sound more objective and authoritative.

Adverbial Placement

Place '顕著に' right before the verb it modifies, like '顕著に現れる' (remarkably appears), for the most natural flow.

Visibility

Remember that the root of this word is about being 'visible.' Use it when the evidence is right in front of your eyes.

Kanji Meaning

Focus on the first kanji 顕 (manifest). It's also in 顕微鏡 (microscope). Both words are about making small or hidden things visible.

Polite Disagreement

In a formal debate, saying '顕著な相違があります' (There is a remarkable difference) is a polite way to point out a major flaw in someone's argument.

News Listening

When you hear 'kencho' on the news, the next word is usually the main topic of the story. Use it as a 'listening anchor.'

Avoiding Repetition

If you've already used 'akiraka' (clear) in an essay, switch to 'kencho' for the next point to show off your vocabulary range.

JLPT Strategy

On the JLPT, 顕著 is often the correct answer when the sentence involves statistical data or scientific observations.

Visualizing Data

Every time you see a sharp spike on a graph, say 'Kencho!' to yourself. This builds a strong mental link between the word and the concept.

Academic Flavor

Using 顕著 instead of 'sugoi' is the fastest way to make your Japanese sound university-level.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'KEN' (sword) and a 'CHO' (butterfly). A sword hitting a butterfly is a 'striking' and 'remarkable' sight that is easy to see.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright red bar on a gray bar chart. That red bar is 'kencho.'

Word Web

Data News Obvious Striking Manifest Trend Analysis Clear

Challenge

Try to find one thing in a news article today that is 'kencho' (remarkable) and write a sentence about it.

Word Origin

顕著 comes from Middle Chinese roots. The first kanji '顕' (ken) means 'to reveal' or 'manifest.' The second kanji '著' (cho) means 'to write' or 'stand out.'

Original meaning: To be clearly written down and thus manifest to all.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

No particular sensitivities, but using it for a person's physical flaws would be extremely rude and overly clinical.

English speakers often use 'striking' or 'notable' in similar contexts, but 'obvious' is more common in speech. 'Kencho' is strictly high-register.

NHK News reports on 'Kencho-na bukka joushou' (Remarkable price rises). Japanese Government White Papers on the 'Kencho' effects of climate change. Academic papers discussing 'Kencho-na sai' (Remarkable differences) in medical trials.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Economic Reports

景気回復の兆しが顕著だ
物価の上昇が顕著だ
格差の拡大が顕著だ
市場の変動が顕著だ

Medical/Scientific

症状が顕著に現れる
顕著な効果が見られる
実験データの差が顕著だ
細胞の変化が顕著だ

Social Analysis

少子化が顕著に進む
都市への集中が顕著だ
価値観の変化が顕著だ
SNSの影響が顕著だ

Academic Writing

顕著な例を挙げる
差異が顕著である
傾向が顕著に見られる
結果が顕著に示された

Business Performance

売上の伸びが顕著だ
改善が顕著に見られる
競合との差が顕著だ
成果が顕著に出る

Conversation Starters

"最近の気候変動で、何か顕著な変化を感じますか？"

"あなたの国で、最近顕著になっている社会問題は何ですか？"

"仕事や勉強で、最近顕著な成果はありましたか？"

"新しい技術の中で、最も影響が顕著なものは何だと思いますか？"

"都会と田舎で、生活のスタイルの違いが顕著な点はどこですか？"

Journal Prompts

自分の日本語の学習において、最近顕著な進歩を感じた部分について書いてください。

身の回りで起きている、顕著な時代の変化について考察してください。

自分が尊敬する人の、顕著な才能や特徴について説明してください。

今年一年を振り返って、自分の中で顕著だった変化を三つ挙げてください。

将来、自分の専門分野でどのような顕著な発展が期待できるか書いてください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. You use '著名' (chomei) for famous people or '目立つ' (medatsu) for people who stand out in a crowd. Use 顕著 for their *traits* or *achievements* (e.g., 顕著な功績).

It is much more common in writing, news, and formal presentations. In casual speech, it sounds very stiff and 'bookish.'

The most direct opposite is '不分明' (unclear) or '潜在的' (latent/hidden). You could also use '微か' (faint) for something very small.

It is a na-adjective. You say '顕著な変化' (kencho-na henka), not 'kencho-i henka.'

Simply add 'ni': 顕著に (kencho-ni). For example, '顕著に良くなった' (became remarkably better).

Yes, it is neutral. You can have 'remarkable progress' (positive) or a 'remarkable decline' (negative).

明白 is 'obvious' (fact-based, no doubt). 顕著 is 'striking' (observation-based, stands out visually or in data).

It is a nasal 'n' (ん). In Japanese, it sounds like a transition between the 'ke' and 'cho' sounds.

Technically yes, but '鮮やか' (ayayaka) or '目立つ' (medatsu) is more natural for colors.

Yes, it is typically considered an N2 or N1 level word.