Translation guide
How to express 'plainly' in Japanese, covering clear speech, simple appearance, and frankness.
Expressing that something is said in a clear, easy-to-understand, or direct way.
Adverb meaning 'clearly', 'plainly', 'distinctly'. Used for speech, visibility, or understanding.
はっきり言ってください。
Please say it plainly.
彼の声ははっきり聞こえた。
His voice could be heard plainly.
Adverb meaning 'frankly', 'plainly', 'candidly'. Emphasizes honesty and directness without sugarcoating.
率直に言うと、その計画は失敗だ。
To put it plainly, the plan is a failure.
Adverb meaning 'plainly', 'openly', 'undisguisedly'. Often used for negative things like criticism or hostility.
彼はあからさまに不満を表した。
He plainly showed his dissatisfaction.
Describing something that is plain, simple, without decoration.
Adverb meaning 'plainly', 'simply', 'frugally'. Used for lifestyle, clothing, or design.
彼女はいつも質素に暮らしている。
She always lives plainly.
質素に装飾のない部屋だった。
It was a plainly decorated room.
Adverb meaning 'plainly', 'soberly', 'quietly'. Often used for colors, clothes, or makeup.
今日は地味に化粧をした。
I put on makeup plainly today.
Adverb meaning 'simply', 'plainly', without frills. Often used for ceremonies or designs.
式は簡素に行われた。
The ceremony was held plainly.
Expressing that something is evident or clear.
Adverb meaning 'plainly', 'obviously', 'clearly'. Used to state something evident.
明らかに彼は嘘をついている。
Plainly, he is lying.
Phrase meaning 'no matter how you look at it', 'plainly'. Emphasizes obviousness.
どう見ても彼女の方が上手だ。
She is plainly better.
はっきり focuses on clarity of expression, while 率直に emphasizes frankness and honesty, even if it might be blunt.
はっきり言って、その色は似合わない。
To put it plainly, that color doesn't suit you.
率直に言って、君の態度は失礼だ。
Frankly speaking, your attitude is rude.
The English word 'plainly' covers many nuances. Avoid directly translating it as a single Japanese word; choose based on context (clarity, simplicity, frankness, obviousness).