1.
daringly, boldly, deliberately
Doing something despite difficulties, risks, or opposition. Implies a conscious choice to proceed anyway.
敢えて言うなら、反対だ。
If I had to say, I'm against it.
敢えて挑戦することにした。
I decided to take on the challenge anyway.
敢えて言わせてもらえば、それは間違いだ。
If I may be so bold, that's wrong.
危険だと分かっていても、敢えて進むしかなかった。
Even though I knew it was dangerous, I had no choice but to press on.
周りが反対しても、敢えて自分の道を選んだ。
Even though those around me were opposed, I dared to choose my own path.
2.
purposely, intentionally (with nuance of going against the norm)
Choosing to do something different from what is expected or conventional.
敢えて説明するまでもない。
It hardly needs to be said.
With negative
便利な方法があるのに、敢えて手作りにこだわった。
Even though there were convenient methods, I deliberately stuck to handmade.
敢えて違う意見を出してみた。
I purposely offered a different opinion.
みんなが賛成する中で、敢えて問題点を指摘した。
While everyone agreed, I deliberately pointed out the problems.
簡単な道を選ばず、敢えて難しい方に挑んだことが、今の自分を作った。
Choosing the hard road rather than the easy one is what made me who I am today.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 敢えて言えば (if I dare say; to put it bluntly)
- 敢えて～する (dare to do ~)
- 敢えて～ない (not bother to ~; not go so far as to ~)
USAGE NOTES:
- With affirmative verbs: implies doing something despite obstacles
- With negative verbs: implies not bothering to do something unnecessary
COMPARISON:
- わざわざ emphasizes going out of one's way or making extra effort
- 敢えて emphasizes boldness or going against the grain
- 殊更に emphasizes deliberate emphasis or exaggeration
Related Words
Related:
わざわざ