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Japanese Versatility List

Right and obvious

Core words, Stage 2chunk 63 of 80Adjectives: things and situations

Say something is right, obvious, certain or sensible.

Mix-ups Atarimae is 'of course'; akiraka is 'plain to see'.

atarimae

polite atarimae desu

obvious, natural; of course

'Atarimae!' or 'Atarimae jan' answers a question with 'Of course!'

Said flatly, it can sound like 'Duh.'

casual

atarimae jan, tomodachi da mon.

Of course, we're friends.

当たり前じゃん、友達だもん。

polite

sore wa atarimae desu yo.

That's only natural.

それは当たり前ですよ。

Written 当たり前 · あたりまえ · 当たり前ですRank #680 in 3,030 TV dramas

tadashii

polite tadashii desu

correct, right

For answers, facts and morally right choices.

To confirm an answer in casual talk, 'atteru' (that's right) is more common.

casual

yappari, kotchi ga tadashii yo.

Yeah, this one's right.

やっぱり、こっちが正しいよ。

polite

yappari, kochira ga tadashii desu.

Yes, this one is correct.

やっぱり、こちらが正しいです。

Written 正しい · ただしい · 正しいですRank #1052 in 3,030 TV dramas

kakujitsu

polite kakujitsu desu

certain, sure; reliable

'Kakujitsu ni' means for sure, without fail.

'Tashika' is the everyday 'sure'; 'kakujitsu' stresses it will definitely happen or work.

casual

kono hou ga kakujitsu da yo.

This way's the safer bet.

この方が確実だよ。

polite

kono hou ga kakujitsu desu yo.

This way is more reliable.

この方が確実ですよ。

Written 確実 · かくじつ · 確実ですRank #1585 in 3,030 TV dramas

matomo

polite matomo desu

decent, proper; sane, sensible

Mostly in complaints: 'matomo na shigoto' (a proper job), 'matomo ja nai' (not normal).

'Matomo ni' means properly: 'matomo ni hanasenai' (can't even talk properly).

casual

kinou kara matomo na mono tabete nai.

I haven't had a proper meal since yesterday.

昨日からまともなもの食べてない。

polite

kinou kara matomo na mono o tabete imasen.

I haven't eaten a proper meal since yesterday.

昨日からまともなものを食べていません。

Written まとも · まともですRank #1865 in 3,030 TV dramas

akiraka

polite akiraka desu

obvious, clear

Mostly 'akiraka ni' (clearly, obviously).

'Atarimae' is 'of course, naturally'; 'akiraka' is 'plain to see'.

casual

sore, akiraka ni uso da yo.

That's obviously a lie.

それ、明らかに嘘だよ。

polite

sore wa akiraka ni uso desu yo.

That's clearly a lie.

それは明らかに嘘ですよ。

Written 明らか · あきらか · 明らかですRank #1909 in 3,030 TV dramas