Translation and Meaning of: 著しい - ichijirushii

If you have come across the Japanese word 著しい (いちじるしい) in texts or conversations, you may have noticed that it carries an interesting weight of meaning: something that stands out remarkably, considerably, or even strikingly. In this article, we will thoroughly explore the etymology, everyday usage, and even tips for memorizing this term, which frequently appears in formal contexts and discussions about social or scientific changes. Furthermore, as Suki Nihongo is the largest online Japanese dictionary, you will also find practical examples here to include in your Anki and boost your studies.

Why is this word so commonly used in reports or analyses? What is the relationship between its kanji and the meaning of "notable"? And is there a trick to remember how to write it? These are some of the questions we will answer throughout the text, including an interesting fact about how the Japanese use it in unexpected comparisons. Shall we go?

Etymology and Pictogram: What Does This Kanji Reveal?

The word 著しい is composed of the kanji 著 (ちょ), which conveys the idea of "to stand out," "to record," or "to publish." If we break it down, it is formed by 艹 (the radical for grass/plants, which here has no direct relation to the meaning) and 者 (person). Originally, this kanji was linked to the idea of something prominent, like a book that attracts attention or a renowned author. It is no wonder that it also appears in words like 著名 (ちょめい, "famous") and 著作 (ちょさく, "literary work").

The suffix しい transforms the root into an adjective, giving it the sense of "having the quality of." In other words, 著しい is literally "having the quality of standing out." It's interesting to note that, although the kanji 著 can be read as "cho" in other contexts, here the reading is いちじるしい — one of those exceptions that make Japanese so challenging (and fascinating).

Everyday Lies: When Do Japanese People Use This Word?

Unlike terms like すごい or 大きい, which are more informal, 著しい often appears in situations that require formality or emphasis. Newspapers use it to describe economic changes ("著しい成長" – remarkable growth), scientists for research results ("著しい差異" – significant difference), and even in social critiques ("著しい不平等" – marked inequality). It’s the kind of word that, when it appears, you know the subject is serious.

A curious detail: it is rarely used to compliment people directly. You will hardly hear "あなたは著しい" (you are notable) in a casual dialogue. Instead, it appears more for facts, phenomena, or data. Want a practical example? If a student drastically improves their grades, a teacher may say: "成績の著しい向上" (notable improvement in grades). Do you see how it sounds more natural?

Tips for Memorization and Common Mistakes

One of the biggest traps for students is confusing the writing of 著しい with 著す (あらわす, "to express"). Despite sharing the same kanji, they are completely different words. To avoid stumbling, remember: いちじるしい is always an adjective and describes something that stands out. A technique that works well is to associate 著 with an open book (since it refers to "record") with a "HIGHLIGHT!" sticker on the cover.

Another tip is to note that the pronunciation いちじるしい has an almost musical rhythm — try saying it out loud a few times, emphasizing each syllable: I-CHI-JI-RU-SHI-I. Repeating this while visualizing the kanji creates a mental anchor. And if you use flashcards, include sentences like "近年、著しい技術の進歩があった" (In recent years, there has been remarkable technological progress) to cement the real context.

Ah, and if you happen to search on Google for "著しい類義語" (synonyms) or "著しい使い方" (how to use), you will notice that many questions revolve around the formality of the word. Now you know: it is the perfect choice for reports, articles, and situations where "very" or "incredible" would sound too informal. How about trying it out in your next Japanese text?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

目立つ (Medatsu) - Stand out, attract attention
顕著 (Kencho) - Notable, evident, generally used in a more formal context
著明 (Chomei) - Conspicuous, clear, often used in academic or artistic contexts.
明白 (Meihaku) - Clarity, evident, frequently used in legal or logical contexts.
際立つ (Kiwadatsu) - Stand out, excel in comparison to others, usually in a visual context.