Translation guide
To be noticeably different or prominent, either visually or in terms of quality/performance. Japanese uses different expressions depending on whether something stands out positively, negatively, or simply catches the eye.
To describe something that is easily noticed because of its appearance, color, or contrast with surroundings.
The most common and neutral way to say something stands out visually. Can be used for both positive and negative attention.
彼女の赤いドレスはパーティーでとても目立っていた。
Her red dress really stood out at the party.
この看板は遠くからでも目立つ。
This sign stands out even from a distance.
Implies standing out in a striking or remarkable way, often positively. More emphatic than 目立つ.
彼の才能はクラスの中で際立っている。
His talent stands out in the class.
Means 'stands out conspicuously' or 'is especially prominent'. Used when something is noticeably more prominent than others.
そのビルは街並みの中でひときわ目立っている。
That building stands out conspicuously in the cityscape.
To describe a person or thing that is clearly better than others in a group.
Means to stand out by being superior or excelling. Often used for skills or performance.
彼は数学の成績でクラスの中で抜きん出ている。
He stands out in math grades among his classmates.
Means to excel or be preeminent. Very formal and often used in written contexts.
彼の技術は他の追随を許さないほど卓越している。
His skill stands out so much that others cannot keep up.
To describe someone or something that attracts attention for the wrong reasons, such as being out of place or inappropriate.
Means to stand out in a negative sense, like not fitting in or being out of place. Often used for people who don't match the group.
彼だけスーツじゃなくて浮いてた。
He was the only one not wearing a suit, so he stood out (in a bad way).
Literally 'bad standing out', meaning to stand out in an unfavorable or embarrassing way.
その派手なネクタイは面接で悪目立ちした。
That flashy tie stood out in a bad way at the interview.
To emphasize that something is unique or easily distinguishable.
Means to stand out with unique brilliance or originality. Often used for creative works or exceptional individuals.
その画家の作品は異彩を放っている。
The artist's works stand out as unique.
Means to protrude or stand out, often used figuratively for something that is markedly different or extreme.
彼の意見は会議で突出していた。
His opinion stood out in the meeting.
目立つ is neutral and can be positive or negative. 際立つ is strongly positive and emphasizes excellence. 浮く is negative and implies not fitting in.
彼は背が高くて目立つ。
He stands out because he's tall. (neutral)
彼のリーダーシップは際立っている。
His leadership stands out. (positive)
彼はパーティーで一人だけ浮いていた。
He stood out awkwardly at the party. (negative)
Do not translate 'stand out' literally as 外に立つ (stand outside). That means physically standing outside a place.
Literally 'show one's head/horns', meaning to distinguish oneself or rise above others, often in a competitive field.
若手の中で彼が頭角を現してきた。
He has begun to stand out among the younger members.