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.
見かけ上は簡単そうだ。
It's apparently easy.
見かけ上の理由
the apparent reason
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.
彼の成功は見かけ上だけだ。
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.
間違いは明らかだ。
The mistake is apparent.
彼が嘘をついていることが明らかになった。
It became apparent that he was lying.
見かけ上の理由もなく、彼女は去った。
For no apparent reason, she left.
His lie was apparent.
問題は明らかだ。
The problem is apparent.
Stronger and more formal than 明らか, often used in official or legal contexts to mean 'clear and unmistakable'.
証拠は明白だ。
The evidence is apparent.
A four-character idiom meaning 'apparent at a glance'. Used when something is immediately obvious upon seeing it.
彼が犯人なのは一目瞭然だ。
It's apparent at a glance that he is the culprit.
Similar to 見かけ上, but slightly more formal. Emphasizes the surface level as opposed to the truth.
表面上は平穏だ。
It is apparently calm.
An adverb meaning 'at first glance' or 'seemingly'. Often used in the pattern 一見～そう/ようだ.
一見簡単そうに見える。
It looks apparently easy.
A versatile pattern meaning 'looks like' or 'seems'. Use with an adjective or verb to express apparent state.
彼は怒っているように見える。
He is apparently angry.
問題は解決したように見える。
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.
彼は元気そうだ。
He seems apparently fine.
The breach of contract is apparent.
The breach of contract is apparent.