显然 (xiǎnrán)

显然 signals that something is obvious, clear, or self-evident, often used to introduce a conclusion the speaker considers undeniable.

Meanings

[adverb] Obviously; clearly; evidently; apparently.

Example Sentences

他显然没有认真听讲。 Tā xiǎnrán méiyǒu rènzhēn tīng jiǎng. He obviously was not listening carefully.

显然，这个计划需要修改。 Xiǎnrán, zhège jìhuà xūyào xiūgǎi. Obviously, this plan needs to be revised.

她显然对这个结果感到不满。 Tā xiǎnrán duì zhège jiéguǒ gǎndào bùmǎn. She is clearly unhappy with this result.

这个问题的答案显然是肯定的。 Zhège wèntí de dá'àn xiǎnrán shì kěndìng de. The answer to this question is evidently yes.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
显然是	is obviously
显然不	obviously not
显然地	obviously; evidently (formal)
这显然说明	this obviously shows
显然可见	clearly visible

Usage Notes

显然 is an adverb that usually appears at the beginning of a sentence or directly before the verb or adjective it modifies. It is more formal than 很明显 (hěn míngxiǎn, very obvious) and is common in written Chinese, especially in argumentative essays, news, and analysis.

Memory Hook

显 means "to show/display" and 然 means "so/thus" — when something shows itself so clearly, it is obviously true.