Translation guide
The English verb 'emphasize' covers several related ideas: stressing the importance of something, highlighting a point in speech or writing, and making a feature more noticeable. Japanese expresses these through different verbs, adverbs, and sentence patterns depending on the nuance.
emphasize (general)
emphasize (make stand out)
To say that something is important or should be given special attention.
The most direct equivalent. Used in both speech and writing for stressing a point or fact.
He emphasized the importance of safety.
To argue or state something forcefully, often in a speech or debate.
Literally 'to treat as important'. Used when emphasizing the value or care for something, often in personal contexts.
To draw attention to a specific word, phrase, or idea when speaking or writing.
A natural way to say 'I want to emphasize that...' in conversation or presentations.
To make something more noticeable or prominent, often visually or in design.
To make something stand out; often used for visual contrast or distinguishing features.
To reinforce a point by repeating or using specific grammatical structures.
A cleft sentence pattern that emphasizes the part before のは. Similar to 'It is ... that ...' in English.
強調する is the general term for emphasizing any point. 力説する implies a stronger, more passionate assertion, often in a persuasive context like a speech or debate.
He emphasized environmental issues.
The prime minister emphasized the need for reform.
This company emphasizes the health of its employees.
I want to emphasize that this is not a simple problem.
Literally 'to dare to say'. Used to emphasize a point that might be obvious or contrary to expectation.
If I may emphasize, this plan is a failure.
In casual speech, adding よ or ね can emphasize a point or seek agreement, similar to 'you know' or 'I tell you'.
It's really important, I emphasize.
This color emphasizes the details of the design.
To make something conspicuous or noticeable. More casual than 際立たせる.
She emphasized her outfit with accessories.
Also used for visual emphasis, e.g., in makeup or photography.
This makeup emphasizes the eyes.
What I want to emphasize is that effort is necessary.
A particle that emphasizes the preceding word, meaning 'precisely' or 'indeed'. Often used for strong emphasis.
Now is the time to act, I emphasize.
Adding adverbs meaning 'especially' or 'particularly' can emphasize a point without a separate verb.
I want to emphasize this point in particular.
He forcefully emphasized the seriousness of environmental issues.
While 強調する can be used for visual emphasis, 際立たせる or 目立たせる are often more natural when talking about making something stand out visually. Using 強調する for makeup or design can sound slightly technical.