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.
彼が嘘をついているのは明らかだ。
It's obvious that he's lying.
Literally 'it goes without saying'. Used when something is so obvious it doesn't need to be stated. Common in both speech and writing.
健康が大切なのは言うまでもない。
It goes without saying that health is important.
Stronger than 明らか, emphasizing that something is unmistakably clear. Often used in formal or written contexts.
彼の罪は明白だ。
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.
彼が失敗するのは火を見るより明らかだった。
It was as plain as day that he would fail.
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.
間違いは明らかだった。
The mistake was obvious.
Means 'clear' or 'distinct'. Often used when something is unambiguous or easy to see/hear. Common in everyday speech.
彼の声ははっきりしている。
His voice is clear (easy to hear).
ルールははっきりしている。
The rules are clear.
Literally 'obvious at a glance'. Used when something is immediately apparent upon seeing it. Slightly formal.
彼が犯人なのは一目瞭然だった。
It was obvious at a glance that he was the culprit.
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.
そんなの当たり前だよ。
That's obvious. / Of course.
Also used here to politely indicate something is obvious. Less blunt than 当たり前.
彼が優秀なのは言うまでもない。
Needless to say, he's excellent.
Means 'it's completely understood' or 'it's obvious'. Often implies the listener should already know. Casual.
そんなことわかりきってるよ。
That's obvious, you know.
The speaker indicates that something is clear based on the surrounding circumstances, without needing explicit explanation.
Directly means 'clear from context'. Used in both spoken and written explanations.
意味は文脈から明らかだ。
The meaning is obvious from the context.
Means 'obvious from the situation'. Slightly more formal.
状況から見て、彼がリーダーなのは明らかだ。
From the situation, it's obvious he's the leader.
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.
証拠は明白だ。
The evidence is clear (undeniable).
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.