Translation guide
The English word "obvious" covers a range of meanings from "clearly visible" to "self-evident" and "predictable." Japanese uses different words and phrases depending on what is obvious and why. Direct translation often sounds unnatural.
Something that can be easily seen or noticed; apparent to the senses.
The most direct equivalent for "obvious" in the sense of "clear, evident." Used for facts, differences, or results that are plain to see. Slightly formal; common in both speech and writing.
His lie was obvious.
The results are obvious.
Stronger and more formal than 明らか. Implies something is so clear that there is no room for doubt. Often used in legal, academic, or official contexts.
His guilt is obvious.
Literally "understandable at a glance." Used when something is visually obvious or instantly recognizable.
The difference is obvious at a glance.
Colloquial, often negative. Means "transparently obvious" in the sense of a poorly hidden intention or lie. Like "so obvious it's pathetic."
His excuse is so obvious.
Something that should be understood without explanation; common sense.
The most common way to say something is "obvious" in the sense of "natural," "expected," or "a matter of course." Can be used positively or negatively.
That's obvious. / That goes without saying.
Means "perfectly obvious" or "completely understood." Often used dismissively, like "that's a given."
Something that anyone could have guessed; an outcome that was bound to happen.
Means "as expected" or "just as predicted." Used when a result matches what was anticipated, implying it was obvious in hindsight.
It was obvious he would win. (lit. His winning was as expected.)
Literally "a natural result." Emphasizes that the outcome was the only logical one, given the circumstances.
An idiomatic expression meaning "as clear as day" or "obvious as seeing fire." Used for outcomes that are extremely predictable.
Something so obvious that it's annoying, shameless, or impossible to ignore.
Means "blatant," "overt," or "undisguised." Used for negative things like lies, discrimination, or hostility that are done openly without shame.
That's blatant discrimination.
Similar to あからさま but often implies a lack of tact or subtlety, especially in sexual or selfish contexts. Can mean "crude" or "obvious in a distasteful way."
明らか is for facts that are evident based on evidence or observation. 当たり前 is for things that are taken for granted as common sense or natural. Saying 彼の嘘は当たり前だ would mean "His lying is a matter of course" (he always lies), not "His lie is obvious."
While 明らか is the closest direct translation, it can sound stiff in casual conversation. In many everyday situations, phrases like 当たり前, もちろん, or わかっている are more natural.
Japanese often leaves out "obvious" information entirely. Instead of saying "That's obvious," a simple そうだね or もちろん can suffice. Over-explaining the obvious can sound unnatural.
It's obvious, but studying is important.
Literally "needless to say." A formal phrase used to state that something is so obvious it doesn't require mentioning. Often used as a preface.
Needless to say, health is important.
That's totally obvious.
It's obvious he'd get angry. (lit. It's a natural result that he gets angry.)
His failure was as obvious as seeing fire.
I was surprised at his blatant lie.
I was put off by his obvious advances.