あえて (aete)

Meaning & usage

あえて is an adverb meaning to dare to do something or to deliberately hold back, even when another choice would be easier or more expected. It is placed before a verb phrase and works with both affirmative verbs like あえて言う and negative verbs like あえて言わない. It carries a formal tone and stresses a bold, conscious decision, not the effort of going out of one's way.

Example sentences 6

1. やれただろうけど、あえてやらなかった。

   I could have done that, but I chose not to.

2. あえてあの店には行かないようにしているんだ。

   I make a special point of avoiding that shop.

3. 弟はあえて辛い道を選んだ。

   My little brother deliberately chose the hard path.

4. 彼はあえて反対意見を言った。

   He dared to express an opposing opinion.

5. あえて電車を使わず歩きました。

   I intentionally walked instead of taking the train.

6. 私はあえて何も言わなかった。

   I deliberately chose to say nothing.