あえて
Meanings
dare to; deliberately; purposely
Used when someone intentionally does something that seems unnecessary, unexpected, or counterproductive. Often implies a degree of boldness or going against the expected course.
If I dare say so, his proposal is not realistic.
She deliberately chose a dangerous path.
not necessarily; not particularly
Used with a negative verb to soften a statement, indicating that something is not especially the case. Common in phrases like あえて～ない.
That movie is not particularly worth seeing.
I don't necessarily intend to oppose his opinion.
definitely not
Archaic use with a negative verb, expressing strong negation. Rare in modern Japanese; replaced by expressions like 決して～ない.
In classical language, あえて～ず meant 'definitely not'.
Usage patterns
- あえて〈動詞〉to dare to do (something unexpected or bold)
He dared to choose the dangerous path.
- あえて〈動詞〉ないnot necessarily do / not particularly do
I won't necessarily oppose that opinion.
- あえて言えばif I had to say / if pressed to say
If I had to say, I think this plan is better.