Translation guide
How to express that something is obvious, clear, or self-evident in Japanese, depending on context and nuance.
The speaker states that something is plainly true or easy to see, often based on evidence or common sense.
The most direct and neutral way to say something is obvious or clear. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
It's obvious that he's lying.
Stronger than 明らか, emphasizing that something is unmistakably clear. Often used in formal or written contexts.
His guilt is obvious.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'as clear as day' or 'obvious as seeing fire'. Used for emphasis in both speech and writing.
The speaker points out that something is easy to perceive or grasp, often visually or logically.
Also used for things that are easily noticeable or understandable. Very versatile.
The speaker comments that something is so obvious it's almost not worth mentioning, sometimes with a hint of sarcasm.
Means 'it's natural' or 'it's a matter of course'. Often used to dismiss something as obvious. Can sound blunt.
The speaker indicates that something is clear based on the surrounding circumstances, without needing explicit explanation.
明らか (akiraka) is the most general and neutral. 明白 (meihaku) is stronger and more formal, often used in legal or official contexts. はっきり (hakkiri) is more about clarity of perception or expression, and is very common in daily conversation.
The evidence is clear (undeniable).
Literally 'it goes without saying'. Used when something is so obvious it doesn't need to be stated. Common in both speech and writing.
It goes without saying that health is important.
It was as plain as day that he would fail.
The mistake was obvious.
Means 'clear' or 'distinct'. Often used when something is unambiguous or easy to see/hear. Common in everyday speech.
His voice is clear (easy to hear).
The rules are clear.
Literally 'obvious at a glance'. Used when something is immediately apparent upon seeing it. Slightly formal.
It was obvious at a glance that he was the culprit.
That's obvious. / Of course.
Also used here to politely indicate something is obvious. Less blunt than 当たり前.
Needless to say, he's excellent.
Means 'it's completely understood' or 'it's obvious'. Often implies the listener should already know. Casual.
That's obvious, you know.
The meaning is obvious from the context.
Means 'obvious from the situation'. Slightly more formal.
From the situation, it's obvious he's the leader.
彼の説明ははっきりしていた。
His explanation was clear (easy to understand).
The English word 'obvious' is not used as a loanword in Japanese. Always use a native Japanese expression like 明らか or 当たり前 depending on context.