際立つ

• Reading: きわだつ
• Romaji: kiwadatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 際 (sai/kiwa) — edge, boundary, occasion, moment; 立 (ritsu/ta) — stand, rise, be established
• Pronunciation: /ki.wa.da.tsɯ/

Meaning

To stand out; to be conspicuous; to be strikingly prominent in comparison to one's surroundings.

A Group 1 (godan) verb ending in つ — conjugates as 際立ち (stem), 際立って (te-form), 際立ちます (polite). It means to be remarkably visible or notable against a background, often positively — describing impressive qualities or distinctive features. The attributive form 際立った (outstanding, conspicuous) is frequently used before nouns.

Examples

1. 彼の演技は他の俳優たちの中でも際立って印象的だった。 His performance was strikingly impressive even among the other actors.
2. このデザインは独創性が際立っており、多くの賞を受賞した。 This design stands out for its originality and has won numerous awards.
3. 人混みの中でも、その赤いドレスは際立って目を引いた。 Even in the crowd, that red dress was conspicuously eye-catching.

Usage Guide

Context: description, arts, analysis, praise

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 際 (edge, boundary, occasion) and 立つ (to stand). The image is of something standing at the very edge — protruding visibly beyond its surroundings.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal