显然

• Pinyin: xiǎn rán
• Hanzi breakdown: 显 = 日 (sun) + 业 (simplified component), meaning obvious or apparent; 然 = 灬 (fire) + other components, meaning so or like that

Meaning

Obviously; evidently; clearly. Indicates that something is apparent or self-evident.

An adverb and adjective used to state that something is clear and beyond doubt. As an adverb, it typically appears at the beginning of a sentence or before the verb. It carries a slightly more formal tone than 明显 and is common in both spoken and written Chinese. Often used to draw a conclusion from observable evidence.

Examples

1. 他显然对这个结果不满意。 He is obviously not satisfied with this result.
2. 这个方案显然比那个好。 This plan is clearly better than that one.
3. 显然，我们需要更多的时间。 Obviously, we need more time.

Usage Guide

Context: analysis, discussion, writing

Tone: assertive

Do Say

• 他显然很累了。(He is obviously very tired.)
• 这个问题显然还没有解决。(This problem obviously hasn't been resolved yet.)

Don't Say

• 显然地，他来了。(Don't add 地 after 显然 — 显然 functions as an adverb on its own without 地.)

Origin & History

显 means 'apparent' or 'obvious' and 然 means 'so' or 'like that'. Together they express something being clearly the case.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal