Meaning and Usage
"当たり前" (あたりまえ) means something that is usual, natural, or obvious. It expresses what is expected or considered normal in a given situation.
Nuance
Using 当たり前 often implies that something should be understood without explanation or is common sense. It can sometimes carry a tone of mild reproach if someone fails to do what is "当たり前".
Common Collocations
- 当たり前だ (It’s obvious) — used to affirm something as natural or expected.
- 当たり前の結果 (natural consequence) — to describe an outcome that logically follows.
- 当たり前のこと (obvious thing) — referring to basic or fundamental actions or facts.
Register and Politeness
This word is neutral and can be used in both casual and formal contexts, but the tone depends on the sentence. It is common in everyday conversation.
Learner Tips
Don’t confuse 当たり前 with words like 普通 (ふつう) which means "normal" or "ordinary" but lacks the nuance of obviousness or expectation. When using 当たり前, you often imply that something should be done or understood without question.