(だんぜん)

だんぜん
adverb
definitely, by far, absolutely
1. by far, definitely, decidedly
Used to emphasize a clear difference or superiority in comparisons. Indicates that something stands out significantly above alternatives.
こっちの(ほう)断然(だんぜん)おいしい。
This one is far more delicious.
電車(でんしゃ)(ほう)断然(だんぜん)(はや)い。
The train is definitely faster.
去年(きょねん)より断然(だんぜん)成績(せいせき)()がった。
My grades improved dramatically compared to last year.
2. absolutely, resolutely
With firm determination, in a decided manner. Similar to 断固 but less formal.
断然(だんぜん)やるべきだ。
You should absolutely do it.
彼女(かのじょ)断然(だんぜん)反対(はんたい)した。
She was absolutely opposed.
周囲(しゅうい)反対(はんたい)にもかかわらず、(かれ)断然(だんぜん)自分(じぶん)意見(いけん)(つらぬ)いた。
Despite the opposition around him, he resolutely stuck to his opinion.

USAGE:
Sense 1 is the more common modern usage, functioning as an emphatic intensifier in comparisons: X の(ほう)断然(だんぜん)... (X is far more...). Sense 2 overlaps with 断固(だんこ) but is less formal.

POSITION:
Typically appears directly before the adjective or verb it modifies.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 断然(だんぜん)(ちが)う: completely different
  • 断然(だんぜん)いい: far better
  • 断然(だんぜん)トップ: by far the top

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • ずっと: much more, by far (casual)
  • 断然(だんぜん): definitely, by far (emphatic)
  • 圧倒的(あっとうてき)に: overwhelmingly (more formal)