目覚しい

めざましい

brilliant, remarkable

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The adjective 目覚しい (めざましい) is used to describe something that is strikingly remarkable or brilliant, often in terms of progress, achievements, or changes. It conveys a strong positive impression and is commonly used in formal or written contexts.

Common Collocations

  • 目覚しい進歩 (めざましいしんぽ): remarkable progress
  • 目覚しい活躍 (めざましいかつやく): brilliant performance
  • 目覚しい成果 (めざましいせいか): outstanding results

These collocations emphasize notable improvements or achievements.

Register and Nuance

目覚しい is somewhat formal and often appears in news reports, academic writing, or business contexts. It is less common in casual conversation but can be used to praise someone's achievements or describe significant changes.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 目覚しい with 目立つ (めだつ), which means "conspicuous" or "stand out." While both imply visibility, 目覚しい emphasizes excellence or remarkable quality, not just being noticeable.

Use 目覚しい when you want to highlight outstanding or impressive progress or results, not just something that catches the eye.

Example Sentences

かれのせいせきはめざましいしんぽをとげた。

His grades made remarkable progress.

めざましいかつやくでチームをゆうしょうにみちびいた。

He led the team to victory with brilliant performance.

めざましいぎじゅつのしんぽがしゃかいをかえた。

Remarkable technological advances changed society.