あからさま

• Reading: あからさま
• Romaji: akarasama
• Pronunciation: /a.ka.ɾa.sa.ma/

Meaning

Obvious; blatant; frank; open. Describes something plainly visible or candidly expressed without disguise or pretence.

An i-adjective (though frequently used in the adverbial form あからさまに) expressing something undisguised and conspicuously apparent. Commonly describes contempt, bias, or intent that is transparently visible to all observers. Carries a slightly critical or disapproving tone when directed at behaviour.

Examples

1. 彼女はあからさまな嫌悪感を顔に表していた。 She wore her disgust plainly on her face.
2. 部長のあからさまなえこひいきに、部員全員が不満を持っていた。 Every member of the department was frustrated by the manager's blatant favouritism.
3. あからさまに無視するのは、さすがに礼儀がないと思う。 Ignoring someone so openly is, I think, simply bad manners.

Usage Guide

Context: interpersonal, social criticism, workplace, literature

Tone: observational

Origin & History

Derived from 明らか (akiraka — clear, obvious) with さま (state, manner of appearance). The combination conveys the sense of something starkly visible, as if lit in the open for all to see.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: General