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.
Naturally, I'll help you.
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.
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.
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.
Of course, I'll go. (neutral)
I naturally assumed he would come.
当然の結果だ。
It's a natural result.
Naturally! / Obviously!
She behaved naturally.
It's best to speak naturally.
Implies doing something lightly, smoothly, and naturally, often without hesitation or overthinking.
He answered the difficult question naturally/effortlessly.
Means 'by nature' or 'innately'. Used for traits someone is born with.
He is naturally talented.
Means 'essentially' or 'inherently'. More formal and often used in written contexts.
Humans are naturally social animals.
Means 'originally' or 'by nature'. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
He is naturally kind-hearted.
The plant grows naturally in this region.
The wound healed naturally.
Specifically means 'naturally occurring' as opposed to artificial or man-made. Often used for resources or phenomena.
This hot spring wells up naturally.
Used when a result is the natural or logical outcome. Overlaps with 'of course' but emphasizes logical consequence.
Since he worked hard, he will naturally succeed.
Means 'inevitably' or 'necessarily'. Stronger logical necessity than 当然.
The policy naturally invited opposition.
Naturally, he should be chosen. (logical expectation)
Obviously! (casual, can be rude)
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.
He comes naturally. (ambiguous, sounds like he comes in a natural manner)