Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Natural" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "natural", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
天然
てんねん (tennen)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
当然だ
とうぜんだ (tōzen da)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "natural" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 天然 and 当然だ.
In Japanese, 天然 (てんねん (tennen)) is typically associated with "natural" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to something existing in or derived from nature, not made or caused by humankind. Often used to describe resources, food, or environments..
On the other hand, 当然だ (とうぜんだ (tōzen da)) maps to "natural; as a matter of course; reasonable; obvious" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to express something that is expected, logical, or goes without saying. It emphasizes that a situation or outcome is completely normal and requires no further explanation. The 'だ' can be replaced with 'です' for politeness, or 'である' in more formal writing.. A literal translation of "natural" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "天然"
これは天然のミネラルウォーターです。
This is natural mineral water.
Bilingual Context for "当然だ"
努力すれば報われるのは当然だ。
It's natural that your efforts will be rewarded if you work hard.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "これは ＿＿＿ のミネラルウォーターです。" (Meaning: "This is natural mineral water.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "天然" fits here because it means "natural" in the context of: "This is natural mineral water.". "当然だ" represents "natural; as a matter of course; reasonable; obvious".