Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Natural" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "natural", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
当然な
とうぜんな (touzen na)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
天然
てんねん (tennen)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "natural" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 当然な and 天然.
In Japanese, 当然な (とうぜんな (touzen na)) is typically associated with "natural, obvious, as a matter of course, rightful" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Expresses that something is expected, reasonable, or goes without saying. Can also be used as an adverb `当然`..
On the other hand, 天然 (てんねん (tennen)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "natural" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "当然な"
努力すれば結果が出るのは当然なことだ。
It's natural that efforts lead to results.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "努力すれば結果が出るのは ＿＿＿ ことだ。" (Meaning: "It's natural that efforts lead to results.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "当然な" fits here because it means "natural, obvious, as a matter of course, rightful" in the context of: "It's natural that efforts lead to results.". "天然" represents "natural".