Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Obvious" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "obvious", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一目瞭然
いちもくりょうぜん (ichimokuryōzen)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
歴然
れきぜん (rekizen)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "obvious" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一目瞭然 and 歴然.
In Japanese, 一目瞭然 (いちもくりょうぜん (ichimokuryōzen)) is typically associated with "obvious at a glance, crystal clear, self-evident" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used when something is extremely clear and can be understood or seen immediately. It emphasizes immediate clarity. （物事が非常に明白で、一目見ただけで理解できる状況を表す際に使われます。）.
On the other hand, 歴然 (れきぜん (rekizen)) maps to "obvious, clear, evident, plain" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes something that is unmistakably clear or apparent, leaving no room for doubt. Often used with 「として」 or 「である」.. A literal translation of "obvious" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "一目瞭然"
グラフを見れば、売上の減少は一目瞭然だ。
If you look at the graph, the decrease in sales is obvious at a glance.
Bilingual Context for "歴然"
その証拠は彼の無実を歴然と示していた。
That evidence clearly showed his innocence.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "グラフを見れば、売上の減少は ＿＿＿ だ。" (Meaning: "If you look at the graph, the decrease in sales is obvious at a glance.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一目瞭然" fits here because it means "obvious at a glance, crystal clear, self-evident" in the context of: "If you look at the graph, the decrease in sales is obvious at a glance.". "歴然" represents "obvious, clear, evident, plain".