Translation guide
To choose or identify one person or thing from a group for special attention, often implying unfair treatment or special recognition.
The speaker wants to express that someone or something is being selected from a group, usually for criticism, blame, or special treatment.
The speaker wants to express that someone is being recognized or honored individually from a group for their achievements.
Direct translations like '一人だけ選ぶ' (hitori dake erabu) can sound unnatural. Use the expressions above depending on context.
選び出す is a neutral 'select out', while 目をつける implies being watched or targeted, often with a negative connotation.
The teacher singled out one student from the class.
Literally 'to put one's eye on', meaning to take notice of someone, often with a nuance of watching them closely or targeting them. Commonly used when someone is singled out for scrutiny.
I've been singled out by my boss.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to make an example of' or 'to single out for criticism'. Strongly negative, used when someone is publicly blamed or attacked.
He was singled out for criticism at the meeting.
Means 'to name' or 'to identify by name'. Used when someone is explicitly mentioned or called out, often in a negative context.
The president singled him out by name and criticized him.
Loanword from English 'pick up'. Used in casual or business contexts to mean 'select' or 'highlight'. Less strong than 'single out' and often neutral.
This article singles out the most important points.
His contribution was singled out for praise.
Verb meaning 'to excel' or 'to stand out'. Can be used when someone is singled out due to superior ability.
He is singled out among his colleagues.