Translation guide
The English word 'apparent' has two main meanings: 'clearly visible or understood' and 'seeming real but possibly not so'. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each nuance.
Something that is easy to see, notice, or understand; evident.
The most common and neutral way to say something is obvious or clear. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
Something that appears to be true or real, but may not be; ostensible.
Means 'on the surface' or 'apparently'. Used when contrasting appearance with reality.
The English word 'apparent' is often translated as 明白な or 明らかな, but these only work for the 'obvious' meaning. For the 'seeming' meaning, using them would be incorrect. Always check which nuance you need.
His success is only apparent.
明らか is the everyday word for 'obvious'. 明白 is stronger and often used in formal contexts like law or logic. For casual speech, 明らか is preferred.
It became apparent that he was lying.
彼の嘘は明らかだった。
His lie was apparent.
The problem is apparent.
Stronger and more formal than 明らか, often used in official or legal contexts to mean 'clear and unmistakable'.
The evidence is apparent.
A four-character idiom meaning 'apparent at a glance'. Used when something is immediately obvious upon seeing it.
It's apparent at a glance that he is the culprit.
It's apparently easy.
the apparent reason
Similar to 見かけ上, but slightly more formal. Emphasizes the surface level as opposed to the truth.
It is apparently calm.
An adverb meaning 'at first glance' or 'seemingly'. Often used in the pattern 一見～そう/ようだ.
It looks apparently easy.
A versatile pattern meaning 'looks like' or 'seems'. Use with an adjective or verb to express apparent state.
He is apparently angry.
The problem is apparently solved.
A hearsay or conjecture marker. When attached to a verb/adjective, it means 'I hear that' or 'it seems'. For apparent situations, use with adjectives.
He seems apparently fine.
The mistake is apparent.
The breach of contract is apparent.
For no apparent reason, she left.