Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Natural" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "natural", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
当然
とうぜん (tōzen)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
当たり前
あたりまえ (atarimae)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "natural" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 当然 and 当たり前.
In Japanese, 当然 (とうぜん (tōzen)) is typically associated with "natural, reasonable, of course, as a matter of course" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Indicates something is expected, right, or logical. Often used with だ/です.
On the other hand, 当たり前 (あたりまえ (atarimae)) maps to "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。）. A literal translation of "natural" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "当然"
努力すれば成功するのは当然だ。
It's natural that you succeed if you make an effort.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "努力すれば成功するのは ＿＿＿ だ。" (Meaning: "It's natural that you succeed if you make an effort.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "当然" fits here because it means "natural, reasonable, of course, as a matter of course" in the context of: "It's natural that you succeed if you make an effort.". "当たり前" represents "natural; obvious; to be expected; of course".