際立った

• Reading: きわだった
• Romaji: kiwadatta
• Kanji breakdown: 際 (kiwa/sai) — edge, boundary, distinction; 立 (tatsu) — to stand
• Pronunciation: /ki.wa.dat.ta/

Meaning

Conspicuous; striking; outstanding; remarkable. Used attributively before nouns to describe something that stands out clearly from its surroundings.

The attributive (pre-noun) form of the verb 際立つ, a Group 1 godan verb meaning to stand out conspicuously. Used as an adjective, 際立った describes qualities or features that are unmistakably prominent — talent, beauty, differences, or achievements. It carries a tone of admiration or notable contrast.

Examples

1. 彼の際立った才能は、幼い頃から周囲の注目を集めていた。 His outstanding talent drew attention from those around him since he was young.
2. 新製品のデザインは他社と際立った差別化を図っている。 The new product's design achieves striking differentiation from competitors.
3. 彼女は際立った美しさで、どこに行っても人目を引いた。 She had such striking beauty that she turned heads wherever she went.

Usage Guide

Context: journalism, business, literary description, academic writing

Tone: admiring

Origin & History

Derived from 際立つ, itself composed of 際 (kiwa — edge, boundary, distinction) and 立つ (tatsu — to stand). The attributive past form 際立った is frequently used as a fixed adjectival expression.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal