Translation guide
The English word 'marked' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: showing a visible sign, being noticeable or pronounced, and being targeted or designated. It also briefly covers the linguistic sense of 'markedness'.
Describing something that has a physical mark, stain, scratch, or blemish on its surface.
General phrase meaning 'has a scratch/damage'. Used for objects with visible flaws.
この机は傷がある。
This desk is marked (has scratches).
Means 'is dirty/stained'. Used when something has a stain or dirt mark.
シャツが汚れている。
The shirt is marked (stained).
Literally 'a mark is attached'. Used when there is a deliberate or accidental mark.
壁に印がついている。
There's a mark on the wall.
Past tense of 傷つく (to be damaged/scratched). Describes something that has become marked or damaged.
傷ついた家具は安く売られていた。
The marked (damaged) furniture was sold cheaply.
Describing a quality, difference, or change that is clearly noticeable or significant.
Means 'remarkable', 'striking', 'marked'. Used for significant changes or differences.
彼の態度には著しい変化が見られた。
There was a marked change in his attitude.
Means 'notable', 'pronounced', 'marked'. Often used in formal or academic contexts.
両者の間には顕著な違いがある。
There is a marked difference between the two.
Past tense of 目立つ (to stand out). Means 'conspicuous', 'noticeable'. More casual than 著しい.
彼の成績は目立った向上を見せた。
His grades showed a marked improvement.
Means 'clear', 'distinct'. Used when a difference or feature is clearly defined.
はっきりとした改善が見られる。
A marked improvement can be seen.
Describing a person or thing that has been singled out, often for negative treatment or special attention.
Passive form meaning 'to be watched/marked (by someone)'. Implies being under scrutiny or targeted.
彼は警察に目をつけられている。
He is a marked man by the police.
Passive of 狙う (to aim at). Means 'to be targeted'. Stronger connotation of being a target for attack or harm.
彼は敵に狙われている。
He is marked by the enemy.
Loanword from English 'mark'. Used in sports or casual contexts to mean 'being marked/guarded'.
彼は試合中ずっとマークされていた。
He was closely marked throughout the game.
In linguistics, referring to a form that is less common, more specific, or carries additional meaning compared to an unmarked form.
Technical term meaning 'marked' in linguistics. Opposite of 無標 (unmarked).
「俳優」は有標の語で、「女優」に対して男性を指す。
'Haikyuu' is a marked term, referring to male actors as opposed to 'joyuu'.
Literal translation 'with a mark'. Sometimes used in linguistic discussions, but 有標 is standard.
この形式はマーク付きの要素と見なされる。
This form is considered a marked element.
Both mean 'marked' in the sense of noticeable. 著しい is more common and can be used for negative or positive changes. 顕著な is slightly more formal and often used for positive or neutral notable features.
Do not translate 'marked man' literally as マークされた男. Use natural phrases like 目をつけられている or 狙われている depending on context.
Noun meaning 'person of interest' or 'marked person'. Used in security or law enforcement contexts.
彼は要注意人物としてリストに載っている。
He is on the list as a marked individual.