Translation guide
The concept of being noticeable, prominent, or distinct from others. This guide covers how to express 'standing out' in Japanese, from neutral visibility to negative connotations of being conspicuous.
To say that someone or something is easily seen or noticed, often in a positive or neutral way.
The most common and versatile verb meaning 'to stand out' or 'to be conspicuous'. Can be used for people, objects, or qualities. Often neutral, but context can make it positive or negative.
彼は背が高いので、人混みの中でも目立つ。
He stands out in a crowd because he's tall.
その赤いドレスはパーティーでとても目立っていた。
That red dress really stood out at the party.
Means 'to be prominent' or 'to stand out' in a positive sense, often implying excellence or distinctiveness. More formal/literary than 目立つ.
彼女の才能はクラスの中で際立っている。
Her talent stands out in the class.
Emphasizes that something stands out especially or conspicuously among others. ひときわ means 'conspicuously' or 'markedly'.
彼の作品は展示会でひときわ目立っていた。
His work stood out conspicuously at the exhibition.
To express that someone or something stands out in an undesirable or embarrassing way, often drawing unwanted attention.
Literally 'to float', but idiomatically means 'to stand out in a bad way', 'to be out of place', or 'to not fit in'. Used when someone's behavior or appearance makes them seem odd or alienated.
彼の冗談はみんなに受けず、場の空気が浮いてしまった。
His joke didn't land and he ended up standing out awkwardly.
フォーマルな場にジーンズで行くと浮くよ。
You'll stand out (in a bad way) if you go to a formal event in jeans.
A noun meaning 'standing out in a negative way' or 'conspicuous in a bad sense'. Often used for attention-seeking behavior that backfires.
An adjective meaning 'eyesore' or 'offensive to the eye'. Implies that something stands out so much it's unpleasant to look at.
To describe something that extends outward from a surface or is physically prominent.
Means 'to stick out', 'to protrude', or 'to jut out'. Used for physical objects extending from a surface.
釘が壁から突き出ているので気をつけて。
A nail is sticking out of the wall, so be careful.
Colloquial verb meaning 'to project' or 'to stick out'. Often used for body parts or objects that bulge out.
To express that someone distinguishes themselves through ability, character, or achievement.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to distinguish oneself' or 'to stand out from the crowd' through talent or achievement. Often used in professional or academic contexts.
彼は若くして業界で頭角を現した。
He distinguished himself in the industry at a young age.
Means 'to surpass others' or 'to be head and shoulders above'. Emphasizes superiority rather than mere visibility.
目立つ is neutral and can be positive or negative depending on context. 浮く specifically implies standing out in a negative, awkward, or out-of-place way. Use 浮く when someone doesn't fit in socially.
彼はパーティーで一人だけスーツを着ていて目立った。
He stood out at the party because he was the only one wearing a suit. (neutral)
彼はパーティーで一人だけスーツを着ていて浮いていた。
He stood out awkwardly at the party because he was the only one wearing a suit. (negative)
Avoid directly translating 'stand out' as 立っている外 or similar. Use the verbs and phrases provided. For physical protrusion, use 突き出る or 出っ張る, not 立つ.
彼の派手な服装は悪目立ちしている。
His flashy clothes are making him stand out in a bad way.
That billboard is an eyesore on the landscape.
My belly is starting to stick out.
彼の能力は他の社員より抜きん出ている。
His abilities stand out above the other employees.