Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Natural" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "natural", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
当たり前
あたりまえ (atarimae)
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 当たり前 and 当然だ.
In Japanese, 当たり前 (あたりまえ (atarimae)) is typically associated with "natural; obvious; to be expected; of course" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to describe something that is normal, obvious, or should be expected. It can also imply a sense of common sense or a standard way of doing things. （当然のこと、または常識であることを表現する際に使われます。）.
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 "当たり前"
時間を守るのは当たり前のことです。
It is natural to be on time.
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: "時間を守るのは ＿＿＿ のことです。" (Meaning: "It is natural to be on time.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "当たり前" fits here because it means "natural; obvious; to be expected; of course" in the context of: "It is natural to be on time.". "当然だ" represents "natural; as a matter of course; reasonable; obvious".