Translation guide
How to express 'publicly' in Japanese, covering adverbial use, public settings, and related expressions.
He publicly apologized.
That information has not been made public yet.
Means 'openly' or 'publicly', often with a nuance of doing something without hiding it, sometimes despite potential disapproval. Slightly more formal or emphatic than 公に.
They openly violated the law.
Literally 'in front of people', used for actions done in public view, often with a sense of embarrassment or exposure. Common in everyday speech.
I get nervous speaking in public.
He cried in public.
Referring to the public sphere, as opposed to private life.
Describing something that is widely known or recognized by the public.
Referring to a company whose shares are traded on a stock exchange.
Both mean 'publicly', but 公に is neutral and common for official announcements or actions. 公然と implies boldness or defiance, often used when something is done openly despite being wrong or controversial.
The mayor publicly announced the plan.
He openly broke the rules.
The English loanword パブリックリー is not used in Japanese. Always use native expressions like 公に or 公然と.
Smoking is prohibited in public places.
An 'open secret' – something supposedly secret but actually widely known. A set phrase.
His misconduct was an open secret.
Publicly traded companies are required to disclose information.