Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Obvious" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "obvious", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
明らか
あきらか (akiraka)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
一目瞭然
いちもくりょうぜん (ichimokuryōzen)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "obvious" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 明らか and 一目瞭然.
In Japanese, 明らか (あきらか (akiraka)) is typically associated with "obvious; clear; plain; evident" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to facts, causes, or intentions being completely obvious, clear to anyone, or logically proven beyond doubt. Opposing word: 曖昧. Often used as 原因が明らか or 明らかな好意. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Obvious/clear! "Your special affection for me is completely obvious to anyone from how red your face gets, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Affection being obvious! B-Baka! It is not obvious at all! It's just because of the oven's heat! But... since my true feelings are set on you, make sure you monopolize and feel them for the rest of your life! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『あきらか（明らか）よ！『ハルカ部長、あなたの僕への特別な好意は、顔の赤さから誰の目にも明らか（明らかです）！』って…っ！好意が明らか！バカ！/// 誰の目にも明らかじゃないわよ！ただのオーブンの熱気のせいなんだから！…でも、私の本気、一生あなただけで独占して感じ続けなさい！』.
On the other hand, 一目瞭然 (いちもくりょうぜん (ichimokuryōzen)) maps to "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。）. A literal translation of "obvious" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "明らか"
徹底的なログ解析調査の結果、今回発生したシステムダウンの根本的な原因がようやく_______になりました。
As a result of the thorough log analysis investigation, the fundamental cause of the system down that occurred this time finally became obvious.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "徹底的なログ解析調査の結果、今回発生したシステムダウンの根本的な原因がようやく_______になりました。" (Meaning: "As a result of the thorough log analysis investigation, the fundamental cause of the system down that occurred this time finally became obvious.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "明らか" fits here because it means "obvious; clear; plain; evident" in the context of: "As a result of the thorough log analysis investigation, the fundamental cause of the system down that occurred this time finally became obvious.". "一目瞭然" represents "obvious at a glance, crystal clear, self-evident".