JLPT N2

あえて

Dare to, venture to, deliberately

Structure

あえて + Verb

How it works

「あえて」 means to deliberately do something despite potential difficulties, opposition, or the risk of doing something unnecessary or uncalled for. It emphasizes intention and often a challenging situation.

Examples

皆が反対する中、彼はあえて自分の意見を言った。

While everyone was against it, he dared to state his own opinion.

Common mistakes

Using it when there's no element of difficulty, opposition, or deliberateness; it's not a simple synonym for 'intentionally'.

Tip

Think of 'daring to do X' or 'intentionally doing X against the grain' for this adverb.

More JLPT N2 grammar

に伴いにかけてにかわってにもかかわらずに限りに限らずをはじめを中心に

See あえて in real Japanese

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