わざと

• Reading: わざと
• Romaji: wazato
• Pronunciation: /ɰa.za.to/

Meaning

On purpose; deliberately; intentionally. Indicates an action was done with conscious intent.

An adverb placed before a verb to indicate the action was intentional, not accidental. Often carries a negative connotation, implying someone did something wrong on purpose: わざと嘘をついた (deliberately lied). However, it can also be neutral: わざと簡単にした (intentionally made it simple). The opposite is うっかり (accidentally) or 偶然 (by chance).

Examples

1. 彼はわざと聞こえないふりをした。 He deliberately pretended not to hear.
2. わざと失敗するはずがないでしょう。 There's no way anyone would fail on purpose.
3. 彼女はわざとゆっくり話してくれた。 She intentionally spoke slowly for me.

Usage Guide

Context: accusations, explanation, daily life

Tone: pointed

Origin & History

From the classical Japanese adverb わざと, derived from 業 (waza, act/deed) plus the particle と. Originally meant 'as an act' — something done as a deliberate deed rather than by accident.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal