Translation guide
The English adverb 'naturally' has several distinct uses. It can mean 'in a natural way', 'of course/obviously', 'by nature/inherently', or 'without artificial help'. Each meaning maps to different Japanese expressions.
Expressing that something is expected, obvious, or goes without saying.
The most common and neutral way to say 'of course' or 'naturally'. Works in both casual and polite speech.
もちろん、手伝いますよ。
Naturally, I'll help you.
彼はもちろん来ると思ってた。
I naturally assumed he would come.
Means 'naturally' in the sense of 'as a matter of course' or 'rightfully'. Slightly more formal than もちろん.
Conveys 'naturally' as something obvious or taken for granted. Often used in casual speech.
Describing an action done in a relaxed, unforced, or unaffected way.
The standard adverb for 'naturally' in the sense of 'in a natural way', without artificiality or strain.
彼女は自然に振る舞った。
She behaved naturally.
Indicating an innate quality or characteristic.
Referring to something occurring in nature, without human intervention, or through natural processes.
Used for things that happen in nature or without human interference. Same word as 'in a natural manner' but different context.
その植物はこの地域に自然に生えている。
The plant grows naturally in this region.
Indicating that something follows logically from what came before.
All three can translate 'naturally' in the sense of 'of course', but they differ in nuance. もちろん is the most neutral and conversational. 当然 implies a logical or rightful expectation, and is slightly more formal. 当たり前 is casual and can sound blunt or dismissive if used inappropriately.
もちろん、行きます。
Of course, I'll go. (neutral)
当然、彼が選ばれるべきだ。
Naturally, he should be chosen. (logical expectation)
当たり前だろ。
Obviously! (casual, can be rude)
当然の結果だ。
It's a natural result.
当たり前じゃん。
Naturally! / Obviously!
It's best to speak naturally.
Implies doing something lightly, smoothly, and naturally, often without hesitation or overthinking.
難しい質問にもさらりと答えた。
He answered the difficult question naturally/effortlessly.
Means 'by nature' or 'innately'. Used for traits someone is born with.
彼は生まれつき才能がある。
He is naturally talented.
Means 'essentially' or 'inherently'. More formal and often used in written contexts.
人間は本質的に社会的な動物だ。
Humans are naturally social animals.
Means 'originally' or 'by nature'. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
彼は元来、心優しい人だ。
He is naturally kind-hearted.
The wound healed naturally.
Specifically means 'naturally occurring' as opposed to artificial or man-made. Often used for resources or phenomena.
この温泉は天然に湧き出ている。
This hot spring wells up naturally.
Used when a result is the natural or logical outcome. Overlaps with 'of course' but emphasizes logical consequence.
努力したのだから、当然成功するだろう。
Since he worked hard, he will naturally succeed.
Means 'inevitably' or 'necessarily'. Stronger logical necessity than 当然.
その政策は必然的に反対を招いた。
The policy naturally invited opposition.
自然に means 'in a natural manner' or 'without human intervention'. It is not used to mean 'of course' or 'obviously'. Using it that way will sound unnatural.
自然に彼は来る。
He comes naturally. (ambiguous, sounds like he comes in a natural manner)
自然に means 'in a natural manner' or 'without human intervention'. It is not used to mean 'of course' or 'obviously'. Using it that way will sound unnatural.
自然に彼は来る。
He comes naturally. (ambiguous, sounds like he comes in a natural manner)