Translation guide
How to express doing something intentionally, not by accident, in Japanese.
I did it on purpose.
I didn't do it on purpose.
The most common way to say an action was done on purpose, with intent.
The standard, neutral adverb for doing something deliberately. Works in both spoken and written Japanese.
He ignored me on purpose.
I didn't do it on purpose.
More formal and often used in legal or serious contexts. Implies clear intent, sometimes with negative connotations.
Means 'intentionally' or 'with intent'. Slightly formal, often used in analytical or explanatory contexts.
Emphasizing that something was not accidental, often in defense or clarification.
Doing something for a reason or with a goal, not just for the sake of it.
Attach to verb plain form to express doing something 'in order to'. This is the most common purpose expression.
I came to Japan on purpose to study Japanese.
Similar to ために, but often used with potential verbs or when the result is less directly controlled. More about 'so that'.
I made a note on purpose so I wouldn't forget.
わざと is the everyday word for 'on purpose'. 故意に is formal and often used in legal or accusatory contexts. 意図的に is neutral-formal and focuses on the presence of intent.
わざと often implies a slightly negative or mischievous intent. For positive, goal-oriented actions, use 〜ために or 〜ように instead.
He broke it on purpose.
She left early on purpose to avoid him.
He deliberately broke the rules.
She intentionally avoided the topic.
This isn't a coincidence. Someone did it on purpose.