Wazato means performing an action on purpose with clear intent.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Doing something intentionally rather than by accident.
- Often implies a mischievous or calculated motive.
- Used frequently to deny or admit deliberate actions.
Overview
- 1概要：「わざと」は、自分の意志で目的を持って行動することを表します。単なるミスではなく、結果を予測した上での意図的な行為を強調する際に使用します。2) 使用パターン：文中で動詞を修飾し、「わざと～する」という形で使われるのが一般的です。否定形と組み合わせて「わざとではない」と弁解する際にも非常に頻繁に使われます。3) 一般的な文脈：日常会話では、子供がふざけて何かを壊した時や、相手に冗談を言う時によく使われます。また、ビジネスシーンでは、意図的なミスを問う場合など、少し厳しいニュアンスで使われることもあります。4) 類語との比較：「わざと」は「故意に」と非常に似ていますが、「故意に」の方がより硬い表現で、法律やニュースなどの公的な文脈で好まれます。「わざと」は、日常のカジュアルなやり取りから、少し改まった説明まで幅広く使える非常に便利な語彙です。
Examples
彼はわざと私を無視した。
everydayHe ignored me on purpose.
その損害は故意によるものと判断されました。
formalThe damage was judged to be intentional.
わざとじゃないよ、ごめんね。
informalI didn't do it on purpose, sorry.
実験において、わざと変数を操作した。
academicIn the experiment, variables were intentionally manipulated.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
わざとらしい態度
an unnatural/fake attitude
わざと負ける
to lose on purpose
わざとじゃないよ
I didn't mean to do that
Often Confused With
While 'wazato' implies a potentially negative or mischievous intent, 'aete' is used when doing something daring or taking a bold step despite difficulties.
This is a formal/legal term. Use 'wazato' for daily life and 'koi ni' for official reports or legal documents.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Wazato is versatile but leans towards informal or neutral registers. It is frequently used in casual conversation to describe pranks or clarify misunderstandings. In formal writing, prefer 'koi ni' to maintain a professional tone.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'wazato' to mean 'daringly', but it lacks the 'courageous' nuance of 'aete'. Also, avoid using it in formal apologies as it may sound like you are admitting to a malicious act. Ensure you understand the distinction between a 'mistake' and an 'intentional act'.
Tips
Use Wazato for deliberate actions
Use this word when you want to emphasize that an action was not a mistake. It is perfect for describing pranks or calculated behaviors.
Avoid in formal apologies
If you are apologizing for a mistake, avoid saying 'Wazato' unless you are specifically denying intent. Using it carelessly might sound like you are making excuses.
Nuance of mischief
In Japanese culture, 'wazato' is often used when children or friends play pranks on each other. It carries a sense of lighthearted social interaction.
Word Origin
Derived from the noun 'waza' (skill, act, or trick). It evolved to describe an act performed with specific intent or technique.
Cultural Context
In Japanese society, admitting to doing something 'wazato' can be seen as an admission of social rudeness. Therefore, it is often used to deny intent (wazato janai) to save face.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Wazato' as 'Waza' (skill/technique) + 'to' (particle). You used your 'technique' to make it happen intentionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions意味はほぼ同じですが、「わざと」は日常会話で使われるのに対し、「故意に」は法律やニュースなど硬い場面で使われます。
基本的には中立ですが、相手をからかう時など、少しネガティブな文脈で使われることが多いです。良い意味で「意識的に」と言いたい場合は「あえて」を使う方が適切です。
何かミスをしてしまった時に、それが意図的ではなかったと弁解する際によく使われます。
「偶然（ぐうぜん）」や「うっかり」が反対の状況を表す言葉として適しています。
Test Yourself
彼は___コップを落とした。
文脈から意図的な動作を指す「わざと」が最適です。
「故意に」
「故意に」は「意図的に」と同義です。
（した / わけ / わざと / じゃない / ではない）
否定の形として自然な語順を選びます。
Score: /3
Summary
Wazato means performing an action on purpose with clear intent.
- Doing something intentionally rather than by accident.
- Often implies a mischievous or calculated motive.
- Used frequently to deny or admit deliberate actions.
Use Wazato for deliberate actions
Use this word when you want to emphasize that an action was not a mistake. It is perfect for describing pranks or calculated behaviors.
Avoid in formal apologies
If you are apologizing for a mistake, avoid saying 'Wazato' unless you are specifically denying intent. Using it carelessly might sound like you are making excuses.
Nuance of mischief
In Japanese culture, 'wazato' is often used when children or friends play pranks on each other. It carries a sense of lighthearted social interaction.
Examples
4 of 4彼はわざと私を無視した。
He ignored me on purpose.
その損害は故意によるものと判断されました。
The damage was judged to be intentional.
わざとじゃないよ、ごめんね。
I didn't do it on purpose, sorry.
実験において、わざと変数を操作した。
In the experiment, variables were intentionally manipulated.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
