Entry
まざまざ
mazamaza
Describes something remembered, imagined, or realized so vividly that it feels as if it is happening right before one's eyes.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
まざまざ is used to express a psychological or emotional clarity. It describes the vividness of recalling a memory, picturing a scene, or being confronted with a stark reality. It implies that the impression is so intense and clear that it is impossible to ignore or forget.
- Vividly recalling memories or scenes.
- Acutely realizing a harsh reality or truth.
Sense Map
Vivid Memories
Recalling a past event or dream so clearly that you feel like you are experiencing it again.
記憶がまざまざとよみがえる
Acute Realizations
Being acutely confronted with a harsh truth or clear difference, making it impossible to deny.
実力の差をまざまざと見せつけられる
Usage Note
How to Use
まざまざと + verb
Used as an adverb before verbs related to memory, thought, or perception to emphasize extreme psychological clarity.
How to Use
Common Phrases
まざまざと思い出す
remember vividly
まざまざと見せつけられる
be starkly confronted with
まざまざとよみがえる
come back vividly
まざまざと目に浮かぶ
clearly picture in one's mind
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Recalling the past | neutral | Emphasizes that the memory is detailed and immersive, as if it is happening right now. |
| Facing reality | negative | Often used when confronted with an unpleasant or undeniable truth, such as a large gap in skill. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
はっきり はっきり / similar | Used broadly for general clarity in sight, sound, speech, or thought. | Does not have the intense psychological depth or the sense of reliving an event that まざまざ has. | はっきり見える |
くっきり くっきり / similar | Used strictly for sharp visual contrast, outlines, or clear boundaries. | Cannot be used for recalling memories or realizing abstract concepts like ability differences. | くっきりした線 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using mazamaza to describe a clear, sunny sky or general good eyesight.
Use hakkiri or kukkiri for physical visibility. Mazamaza is reserved for vivid memories or mental realizations.
Using it to describe speaking clearly and articulately.
For clear speech or pronunciation, use hakkiri.
Examples
Examples
昔の記憶がまざまざとよみがえった。
むかしのきおくがまざまざとよみがえった。
Old memories came back vividly.
FigurativeDescribes a highly detailed memory that feels real.
現実の厳しさをまざまざと見せつけられた。
げんじつのきびしさをまざまざとみせつけられた。
I was acutely confronted with the harshness of reality.
FigurativeOften used when recognizing an undeniable and harsh reality.
事故の一部始終をまざまざと目撃した。
じこのいちぶしじゅうをまざまざともくげきした。
I witnessed the entire accident clearly with my own eyes.
LiteralEmphasizes that the entire event was witnessed extremely clearly.
実力の差をまざまざと感じた。
じつりょくのさをまざまざとかんじた。
I acutely felt the difference in our abilities.
FigurativeShows a profound awareness of the gap between oneself and others.
その光景が今もまざまざと目に浮かぶ。
そのこうけいがいまもまざまざとめにうかぶ。
That scene still comes to mind vividly today.
FigurativeExpresses that a past scene still vividly lingers in one's mind.
Similar Words
くっきり
kukkiri
Specifically for sharp visual contrast or outlines.
Questions
What is the difference between mazamaza and hakkiri?
Hakkiri is a general word for clarity in sight, sound, or thought. Mazamaza is specifically for things that feel so vivid they seem real, like a powerful memory or a harsh reality check.
Can I use mazamaza for a high-definition TV screen?
No, mazamaza is used for internal mental experiences like memories. For a clear screen or sharp image, use kukkiri.
Is mazamaza always followed by the particle 'to'?
Yes, it is almost always used as an adverb with the particle 'to' (mazamaza to) directly before a verb.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1012130
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- まごまご (magomago)
- Next entry
- ミンミン (minmin)