文字通り
Meanings
1
literally; to the letter
Used as an adverb to emphasize that something is exactly as stated, without exaggeration or metaphor.
You shouldn't take what he said literally.
I carried out the instructions to the letter.
2
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Used as a no-adjective to describe something as being in the exact, word-for-word sense.
That is not the literal meaning.
Usage patterns
- 文字通り〈動詞〉to literally do something (not as exaggeration)
He literally widened his eyes in surprise.
- 文字通りの〈物〉a literal ~ (in the exact sense of the word)
This is an expression used in its literal sense.