わざわざ

わざわざ
adverb
on purpose, expressly, going out of one's way
1. expressly, specially, going out of one's way
Taking extra effort or trouble to do something that isn't strictly necessary. Often implies appreciation for the effort.
わざわざ来(き)てくれてありがとう。
Thank you for going out of your way to come.
わざわざ電話(でんわ)しなくてもよかったのに。
You didn't have to go to the trouble of calling.
わざわざ遠(とお)くから届(とど)けてくれたんですか。助(たす)かります。
You went all the way to deliver this from far away? That's a big help.
2. deliberately, on purpose (negative context)
Intentionally doing something unnecessary or counterproductive. Used critically.
わざわざ危険(きけん)なことをするな。
Don't deliberately do dangerous things.
Critical usage
わざわざ嫌(いや)なことを思(おも)い出(だ)さなくてもいい。
You don't need to deliberately think about unpleasant things.
わざわざ高(たか)いお店(みせ)に行(い)かなくても、ここで十分(じゅうぶん)おいしい。
You don't need to go out of your way to an expensive restaurant - this place is plenty good.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • わざわざ～てくれる (take the trouble to ~ for someone)
  • わざわざ～なくてもいい (don't need to go out of your way to ~)
  • わざわざ～する必要(ひつよう)はない (no need to expressly ~)

NUANCE: When expressing gratitude, わざわざ acknowledges that someone made extra effort. In negative contexts, it criticizes unnecessary or unwise actions.

SIMILAR: 態々(わざわざ) is the kanji form but hiragana is more common.

SEE ALSO: 敢(あ)えて (daringly, purposely) is similar but emphasizes doing something despite difficulties or opposition.

Related Words

Related: 敢(あ)えて
general
Added 2026.1.17 11:07 · Revised 2026.6.12 10:39
06000/06073_wazawaza