1.
exactly; precisely
Used to emphasize that something is completely accurate or fitting.
2.
indeed; truly
Used to strongly affirm or agree with something.
まさに is an adverb used for emphasis, expressing exactness, strong agreement, or imminent action.
Common patterns
- まさにその通り (exactly right)
- まさに今 (right now, at this very moment)
- まさに〜しようとする (just about to do ~)
- まさに典型的 (a perfect example)
Similar words
- まさに vs. ちょうど: Both can mean "exactly," but ちょうど is more for timing/amounts, while まさに emphasizes appropriateness or strong affirmation.
- まさに vs. 本当に: 本当に means "really/truly" in a general sense; まさに has a stronger sense of "precisely this."
Writing
Can be written as 正に, but hiragana is more common.
Register: Neutral to slightly formal. Often used in emphatic statements.
Related Words
Related:
ちょうど (exactly, just)
Synonym:
如何にも (indeed, truly)
Compare:
まるで (just like, as if, completely)
Compare:
仰る通り (just as you say)