1.
exclusively, solely, mainly
Focusing on one thing only, to the exclusion of others.
専ら家にいる。
I'm mostly at home.
最近は専ら家で仕事をしている。
Recently, I've been working exclusively from home.
休日は専ら読書に時間を費やしている。
On my days off I spend my time mainly on reading.
2.
widely, generally (in rumors)
Something that is widely said or believed.
専らの噂だ。
That's what everyone's saying.
Set expression
来月辞めるというのが専らの噂だ。
The word going around is that he's quitting next month.
社長が交代するというのが専らの噂だが、本当かどうかはわからない。
The prevailing rumor is that the president is being replaced, but no one knows if it's true.
専ら indicates exclusivity or dedication to one thing, often translated as 'exclusively,' 'solely,' or 'mainly.'
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 専ら〜している: to be doing exclusively ~
- 専ら〜に時間を使う: to spend time mainly on ~
SET EXPRESSION:
専らの噂 means 'what everyone's saying' or 'the word on the street'—a rumor that's widely circulating.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 専ら: exclusively, mainly (somewhat formal)
- だけ: only (neutral)
- ばかり: nothing but (often with negative nuance)