How to say "evident" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 明らかあきらかna-adjectiveThe most general-purpose choice: something is clear or obvious to anyone, needing no proof — facts, causes, motives, differences. Use it where English says simply 'it is evident that...'.
- 歴然れきぜんtaru-adjective, adverb (with と)Evident with emphasis: the fact or difference stands out so plainly that it cannot be denied or argued away. Especially natural when pointing to a gap or disparity that anyone can see.
- 紛れもないまぎれもないexpression, i-adjectiveAt heart 'unmistakable': there is no possibility of mistaking or confusing it, so the thing is evident beyond all doubt. Choose it when 'evident' really means 'undeniable, out-and-out'.
- 明瞭めいりょうna-adjective, nounReally means 'clear, distinct': easy to see, hear, or follow — the opposite of vague or blurred. Seldom the word for 'evident' in the sense 'plainly true'; use it when clarity itself is the point.
- 明白めいはくna-adjectiveAlso 'obvious, plain, evident', and largely interchangeable with 明らか; it stresses that the matter is plain beyond questioning. When torn between the two, 明らか is the neutral default.何をしなければならないかは明白です。↗It is clear what must be done.
Choose 「明らか」 for the neutral 'it is evident that...'; 明白 stresses obviousness beyond question, 歴然 an emphatically undeniable fact or gap, 「紛れもない」 the 'unmistakable', and 明瞭 is really 'clear, distinct' rather than 'evident'.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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