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
歴然
れきぜん (rekizen)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "obvious" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 明らか and 歴然.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "歴然" represents "obvious, clear, evident, plain".