Translation guide
The English word "conspicuous" means easily seen or noticed, often because something stands out from its surroundings. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you mean visually prominent, attracting attention (positive or negative), or standing out in a social context.
Describing something that is very noticeable because of its appearance, color, size, or position.
The most common and versatile word for 'stand out' or 'be conspicuous'. Can be used for people, objects, colors, etc. Often used in negative contexts (standing out in a bad way) but also neutral.
She was very conspicuous at the party.
That sign is conspicuous even from a distance.
Literally 'to pull people's eyes', meaning to attract attention or be eye-catching. Often used for things that are designed to be noticed, like fashion or advertisements.
His flashy tie is conspicuous.
Means 'to be prominent' or 'stand out' in a positive sense, often implying excellence or distinctiveness. More formal/literary than 目立つ.
His talent is conspicuous in the class.
Means 'remarkable', 'striking', or 'conspicuous', but is mostly used for abstract qualities like change, progress, or difference. Not for visual conspicuousness of objects.
In recent years, the rise in temperature has been conspicuous.
When someone or something is conspicuous in a way that draws unwanted attention, criticism, or embarrassment.
Again the most common choice. Context makes it clear if the attention is unwanted.
You'll be conspicuous if you wear clothes like that.
Colloquial; means to stand out in a negative way, not fitting in with the group. Often used when someone's behavior or appearance makes them seem out of place.
Literally 'bad standing out', meaning to be conspicuous in a negative or embarrassing way. Used when someone is trying too hard to be noticed and it backfires.
The fixed phrase 'conspicuous by one's absence', meaning someone's absence is very noticeable.
A natural translation: 'not being there stands out all the more'.
He was conspicuous by his absence.
More direct: 'absence is conspicuous'. Slightly formal.
The economic/sociological term for spending on luxury goods to display wealth.
目立つ is the general word for 'stand out' and can be positive or negative. 際立つ implies standing out due to excellence or distinctiveness, and is more formal. 著しい is used for remarkable degrees of abstract things (change, progress) and is not for visual conspicuousness.
顕著 means 'remarkable' or 'notable' and is used for things like 'a marked improvement' (顕著な改善). It is not a direct synonym for visually conspicuous and can sound unnatural if misapplied.
The stain on his shirt was very conspicuous.
Try not to be too conspicuous.
He was the only one in a suit, so he was a bit conspicuous.
His bragging is making him conspicuously obnoxious.
His absence at the meeting was conspicuous.
His love of brand-name goods is conspicuous consumption.