Translation guide
How to express 'publicly' in Japanese, covering adverbial use, public settings, and related expressions.
Describing an action done openly, for everyone to see or know, not in private.
That information has not been made public yet.
Means 'openly' or 'publicly', often with a nuance of doing something without hiding it, sometimes despite potential disapproval. Slightly more formal or emphatic than 公に.
彼らは公然と法律に違反した。
They openly violated the law.
Literally 'in front of people', used for actions done in public view, often with a sense of embarrassment or exposure. Common in everyday speech.
人前で話すのは緊張する。
I get nervous speaking in public.
彼は人前で泣いた。
He cried in public.
Referring to the public sphere, as opposed to private life.
Means 'public place' or 'public setting'. Used when talking about being in a public context.
公の場では礼儀正しく振る舞うべきだ。
You should behave politely in public.
Similar to 公の場, but emphasizes 'public' as in shared community spaces. Often used in rules or announcements.
公共の場での喫煙は禁止されています。
Smoking is prohibited in public places.
Describing something that is widely known or recognized by the public.
Means 'known to the public' or 'widely known'. Used for facts, secrets, or reputations.
そのスキャンダルは世間に知られている。
That scandal is publicly known.
An 'open secret' – something supposedly secret but actually widely known. A set phrase.
彼の不正は公然の秘密だった。
His misconduct was an open secret.
Referring to a company whose shares are traded on a stock exchange.
Means 'listed' or 'publicly traded'. Used for companies on a stock exchange.
その会社は東京証券取引所に上場している。
That company is publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Literally 'public company', a direct translation of 'publicly traded company'. Less common than 上場企業.
公開会社は情報開示が義務付けられている。
Publicly traded companies are required to disclose information.
Both mean 'publicly', but 公に is neutral and common for official announcements or actions. 公然と implies boldness or defiance, often used when something is done openly despite being wrong or controversial.
市長は公に計画を発表した。
The mayor publicly announced the plan.
彼は公然と規則を破った。
He openly broke the rules.
The English loanword パブリックリー is not used in Japanese. Always use native expressions like 公に or 公然と.