明显

• Pinyin: míng xiǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 明 = 日 (sun) + 月 (moon), meaning bright; 显 = 日 (sun) + 页 (head/page), meaning to appear visibly

Meaning

Obvious; evident; clear. Describes something easily perceived or noticed.

One of the most common adjectives for describing noticeable changes, differences, or effects. Often paired with 很 or 非常 for emphasis. Can also function as an adverb meaning 'obviously' (他明显累了 = He is obviously tired). Used across all registers.

Examples

1. 他的汉语水平有了明显的提高。 His Chinese level has improved noticeably.
2. 这两幅画的区别非常明显。 The difference between these two paintings is very obvious.
3. 天气明显变冷了，大家都穿上了厚外套。 The weather has clearly gotten colder, and everyone has put on thick jackets.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, observation, comparison

Tone: objective

Do Say

• 效果很明显。(The effect is very obvious.)
• 他明显不高兴。(He is obviously unhappy.)

Don't Say

• 这道数学题的答案明显是三。(Avoid 明显 for logical deductions — use 显然 instead. 明显 is best for observable, perceptible differences.)

Origin & History

明 means bright (sun + moon); 显 means to appear or show, from 日 (sun) over a scene becoming visible. Together they mean brightly visible — obvious.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal