顕在

• Reading: けんざい
• Romaji: kenzai
• Kanji breakdown: 顕 (ken/arawa) — manifest, obvious, prominent; 在 (zai/a) — exist, be present
• Pronunciation: /kenzai/

Meaning

Manifest; apparent; visible; overt. The state of being clearly evident or present, as opposed to hidden or potential.

Used in formal and academic contexts, often in contrast with 潜在 (latent/hidden). 顕在 describes what is already visible or actualised, while 潜在 refers to what exists below the surface. Common in psychology (顕在意識 — conscious awareness), sociology, and analysis of risks or trends.

Examples

1. 潜在していたリスクが顕在化し、問題が表面化した。 Latent risks became manifest, and problems surfaced.
2. 顕在需要と潜在需要を分けて分析することが重要だ。 It is important to analyze apparent demand and latent demand separately.
3. 社会の不満は長年顕在せず、ある出来事を機に一気に噴出した。 Public discontent remained hidden for years, then erupted all at once in response to a single event.

Usage Guide

Context: psychology, economics, sociology, risk analysis

Tone: academic

Origin & History

Compound of 顕 (ken, manifest/obvious) and 在 (zai, to exist/be present). Together they mean existing in an apparent or visible state.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated