断然(だんぜん)

だんぜん
adverb
definitely, by far, absolutely
descriptive
1. by far, definitely, decidedly
Used to emphasize a clear difference or superiority in comparisons. Indicates that something stands out significantly above alternatives.
こっちの方(ほう)が断然(だんぜん)おいしい。
This one is far more delicious.
電車(でんしゃ)の方(ほう)が断然(だんぜん)速(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)が上(あ)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)は断然(だんぜん)反対(はんたい)した。
She was absolutely opposed.
周囲(しゅうい)の反対(はんたい)にもかかわらず、彼(かれ)は断然(だんぜん)自分(じぶん)の意見(いけん)を貫(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 の方(ほう)が断然(だんぜん)... (X is far more...). Sense 2 overlaps with 断固(だんこ) but is less formal.

Position in sentence

Typically appears directly before the adjective or verb it modifies.

Common collocations

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: 断固(だんこ) (firmly, resolutely)
Compare: ずっと (much more, by far)
Compare: 圧倒的(あっとうてき) (overwhelmingly)
general
Added 2026.2.22 15:21 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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