当たり前

• Reading: あたりまえ
• Romaji: atarimae
• Kanji breakdown: 当 (tou/a) — hit, right; 前 (zen/mae) — front, before
• Pronunciation: /a.ta.ɾi.ma.e/

Meaning

Natural; obvious; taken for granted. Describes something considered normal or self-evident.

Functions as a no-adjective, na-adjective, and noun. Common patterns include 当たり前のこと (something obvious), 当たり前だ (it's only natural). Can carry a critical tone when implying someone should already know something, or a reflective tone when appreciating things normally taken for granted.

Examples

1. 毎日ご飯が食べられるのは当たり前じゃない。 Being able to eat every day isn't something you should take for granted.
2. 約束を守るのは当たり前のことだ。 Keeping your promises is just common sense.
3. 親に感謝するのは当たり前だと思う。 I think it's only natural to be grateful to your parents.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, moral discussion, reflection

Tone: matter-of-fact

Origin & History

Compound of 当たり (atari, a hit/share) and 前 (mae, front/portion). Originally referred to one's rightful share or portion, evolving to mean something deserved or expected.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal