Translation guide
To stand out, be noticeable, or attract attention. Japanese has several ways to express this, from neutral description to negative connotations of being out of place.
Describe someone or something that is easily seen or noticed because it is different from its surroundings.
The most common and neutral way to say 'stand out' or 'be conspicuous'. Used for both positive and negative situations.
彼は背が高いので、人混みの中でも目立つ。
He stands out even in a crowd because he's tall.
その赤いドレスはパーティーでとても目立っていた。
That red dress really stood out at the party.
Means 'to be prominent' or 'stand out' in a positive sense, often implying excellence or distinctiveness.
彼の才能はクラスの中で際立っている。
His talent stands out in the class.
Literally 'to pull people's eyes', meaning to attract attention or be eye-catching. Often used for appearance or design.
その派手な看板は人目を引く。
That flashy sign attracts attention.
Means 'to float', but idiomatically means to stand out in a negative way, as in not fitting in or being out of place.
Implies a lack of harmony with the group; can be negative.
彼だけスーツで来て、ちょっと浮いてた。
He was the only one in a suit, so he kind of stood out (in a bad way).
Express that being conspicuous is undesirable, often because it draws unwanted attention or criticism.
Also used in negative contexts. The nuance depends on the situation.
そんなことをすると目立つからやめたほうがいい。
You shouldn't do that because it'll make you stand out (in a bad way).
Means 'to catch one's eye', often implying something is conspicuous in an unpleasant or annoying way.
Specifically means 'to stand out in a bad way', combining 悪 (bad) and 目立ち (standing out).
あの派手な服は悪目立ちしてるよ。
Those flashy clothes are making you stand out in a bad way.
Express that something or someone is noticeable because it/they are missing.
A common pattern: 'the fact that (someone) is not here is conspicuous'.
彼がいないことが目立つ。
His absence is conspicuous.
General pattern for things: 'the lack of (something) is conspicuous'.
説明がないことが目立つ。
The lack of explanation is conspicuous.
目立つ is neutral and can be positive or negative. 際立つ is almost always positive, emphasizing excellence or distinctiveness. Use 目立つ for general 'standing out', and 際立つ when praising something as remarkably good.
彼女の歌声は際立っている。
Her singing voice is outstanding.
彼は目立ちたがり屋だ。
He's an attention-seeker.
The English word 'conspicuous' can sound formal. In Japanese, 目立つ is the everyday equivalent. Don't try to use obscure kanji compounds unless you want a very formal or literary tone.
The dirt in the room is conspicuous (catches my eye).