naturally; of course; understandably
Used to introduce a statement that follows logically or is expected given the circumstances. Often appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause.
See also: 当然のことながら (とうぜんのことながら)
当然ながら、遅刻すれば評価は下がる。
Naturally, if you're late, your evaluation will drop.
彼は当然ながらその提案に反対した。
He, of course, opposed the proposal.
Compound of 当然 (touzen, 'natural, obvious') + ながら (nagara, 'while, although'), literally 'while it is natural'. The combination functions as a set adverbial phrase.