わざわざ

わざわざ

take the trouble (to do), doing something especially rather than incidentally

JLPT N1

Meaning and Usage

"わざわざ" is an adverb used to express that someone takes special effort or trouble to do something, often implying that the action is not necessary but done intentionally or with consideration.

Common Contexts

It is frequently used when appreciating someone's effort or when suggesting that the effort might have been unnecessary. It often appears in polite or semi-formal conversations.

Typical Collocations

  • わざわざ来る: to come all the way (from somewhere)
  • わざわざ電話する: to take the trouble to call
  • わざわざ時間をかける: to spend time deliberately

Nuance and Register

Using "わざわざ" conveys a sense of gratitude or mild surprise at the effort. It can sometimes carry a subtle hint that the effort was more than expected or possibly unnecessary, depending on context.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "わざわざ" with words meaning "accidentally" or "incidentally." Remember, "わざわざ" always implies intentional and deliberate action.

Example Sentences

わざわざとおくからきてくれてありがとう。

Thank you for coming all the way from far away.

わざわざでんわしなくてもよかったのに。

You didn’t have to go to the trouble of calling.

かれはわざわざおそくまでのこってしごとをてつだってくれた。

He went out of his way to stay late and help with the work.