まざまざ

まざまざ
adverb
vividly; as if before one's eyes
descriptive
1. vividly; clearly; as if it were right in front of one
Describes something perceived or recalled with such clarity that it seems physically present. Almost always used with と, and typically of memories or of realities one is forced to face.
I remember that time vividly.
My grandmother's smile still comes vividly to mind.
Visiting the place, I felt the gap in ability had been thrust vividly before my eyes.

Common patterns

  • Nearly always まざまざ; bare まざまざ before a verb sounds incomplete.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • ありあり: vividly — very close in meaning and often interchangeable
  • はっきり: clearly — plain accuracy of perception, without the sense of a scene rising before you

Because it implies being made to see something whether you want to or not, まざまざ often colors what follows with regret or shock.

Related Words