1.
intentionally; deliberately; on purpose
Performing an action with full awareness and intent, as opposed to doing it by accident or mistake.
A formal adverb used to express that an action was done on purpose. 故意 is a noun meaning "intent, deliberateness" and に makes it adverbial. It is particularly common in legal, news, and formal written contexts.
Common collocations
- 故意に壊す — to break intentionally
- 故意に無視する — to deliberately ignore
- 故意に隠す — to intentionally conceal
- 故意に遅らせる — to delay on purpose
Similar words
- わざと — on purpose, deliberately (more colloquial; used in everyday speech)
- 意図的に — intentionally (similar formality; focuses on the planned nature)
- 意識的に — consciously, intentionally (emphasizes awareness)
Usage
故意に is more formal and written than わざと. In legal contexts, 故意 (as a noun) contrasts with 過失 (negligence): 故意による犯罪 (intentional crime) vs. 過失による犯罪 (crime by negligence).