殊更

• Reading: ことさら
• Romaji: kotosara
• Kanji breakdown: 殊 (shu/koto) — special, particular, different; 更 (kō/sara) — further, renew, still more
• Pronunciation: /ko.to.sa.ɾa/

Meaning

Deliberately; particularly; especially; intentionally. Indicates that something is done on purpose or with special emphasis, often implying unnecessary exaggeration.

An adverb (and sometimes na-adjective) that highlights deliberate or emphatic intent. It often carries a slightly critical nuance, suggesting the action is more exaggerated than necessary — as in making an unnecessary point of doing something or drawing unwarranted attention to it.

Examples

1. 彼女は殊更大声で笑い、その場の全員に自分の存在を示した。 She deliberately laughed loudly, making her presence known to everyone in the room.
2. 殊更難しい言葉を使わなくても、分かりやすく説明できるはずだ。 You should be able to explain things clearly without going out of your way to use difficult words.
3. 彼は相手の失敗を殊更に取り上げ、自信をそごうとした。 He deliberately singled out the other person's mistakes, trying to undermine their confidence.

Usage Guide

Context: criticism, literature, rhetoric, interpersonal

Tone: critical

Origin & History

Compound of 殊 (koto, special/particular) and 更 (sara, further/still more). Together they convey the sense of going out of one's way to do something, or doing something to a marked and deliberate degree.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated