Translation guide
The English word "obvious" covers a range of meanings from "clearly visible" to "self-evident" and "predictable." Japanese uses different words and phrases depending on what is obvious and why. Direct translation often sounds unnatural.
Something that can be easily seen or noticed; apparent to the senses.
The most direct equivalent for "obvious" in the sense of "clear, evident." Used for facts, differences, or results that are plain to see. Slightly formal; common in both speech and writing.
彼の嘘は明らかだった。
His lie was obvious.
結果は明らかだ。
The results are obvious.
Stronger and more formal than 明らか. Implies something is so clear that there is no room for doubt. Often used in legal, academic, or official contexts.
彼の有罪は明白だ。
His guilt is obvious.
Literally "understandable at a glance." Used when something is visually obvious or instantly recognizable.
その違いは一目でわかる。
The difference is obvious at a glance.
Colloquial, often negative. Means "transparently obvious" in the sense of a poorly hidden intention or lie. Like "so obvious it's pathetic."
彼の言い訳は見え見えだ。
His excuse is so obvious.
Something that should be understood without explanation; common sense.
The most common way to say something is "obvious" in the sense of "natural," "expected," or "a matter of course." Can be used positively or negatively.
それは当たり前のことだ。
That's obvious. / That goes without saying.
当たり前だけど、勉強は大事だ。
It's obvious, but studying is important.
Means "perfectly obvious" or "completely understood." Often used dismissively, like "that's a given."
Something that anyone could have guessed; an outcome that was bound to happen.
Means "as expected" or "just as predicted." Used when a result matches what was anticipated, implying it was obvious in hindsight.
彼が勝つのは予想通りだった。
It was obvious he would win. (lit. His winning was as expected.)
Literally "a natural result." Emphasizes that the outcome was the only logical one, given the circumstances.
彼が怒るのは当然の結果だ。
It's obvious he'd get angry. (lit. It's a natural result that he gets angry.)
An idiomatic expression meaning "as clear as day" or "obvious as seeing fire." Used for outcomes that are extremely predictable.
彼の失敗は火を見るより明らかだった。
His failure was as obvious as seeing fire.
Something so obvious that it's annoying, shameless, or impossible to ignore.
Means "blatant," "overt," or "undisguised." Used for negative things like lies, discrimination, or hostility that are done openly without shame.
それはあからさまな差別だ。
That's blatant discrimination.
彼のあからさまな嘘に驚いた。
I was surprised at his blatant lie.
Similar to あからさま but often implies a lack of tact or subtlety, especially in sexual or selfish contexts. Can mean "crude" or "obvious in a distasteful way."
明らか is for facts that are evident based on evidence or observation. 当たり前 is for things that are taken for granted as common sense or natural. Saying 彼の嘘は当たり前だ would mean "His lying is a matter of course" (he always lies), not "His lie is obvious."
While 明らか is the closest direct translation, it can sound stiff in casual conversation. In many everyday situations, phrases like 当たり前, もちろん, or わかっている are more natural.
Japanese often leaves out "obvious" information entirely. Instead of saying "That's obvious," a simple そうだね or もちろん can suffice. Over-explaining the obvious can sound unnatural.
Literally "needless to say." A formal phrase used to state that something is so obvious it doesn't require mentioning. Often used as a preface.
言うまでもなく、健康は大切だ。
Needless to say, health is important.
そんなのわかりきったことだ。
That's totally obvious.
I was put off by his obvious advances.