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March 24, 2026
显然(顯然)xiǎnrán(xian3ran2)
显然 (xiǎn rán) means 'clearly' or 'obviously,' used to indicate that something is easily understood or apparent. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to emphasize the obviousness of a statement or situation.
Frequency#876DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of clarity and obviousness often relates to direct communication styles that value transparency and honesty. Thus, using 显然 can reflect a straightforward approach in discussions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bright light (显) shining down on a clear path (然), illuminating everything in sight. This vivid image helps you remember that 显然 means 'obviously' or 'clearly.' The components suggest that clarity is being revealed.
Meanings of 显然
xiǎnrán(xian3ran2)
1clear
2evident
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 显然
显然Simplified
顯然Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
副形词xíngróngcíadj-adverb (adj.-adv.)Part of Speech
#876Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 显然
Podcast: 显然
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AI Study Notes for 显然
Quick Contrast
明显 (míngxiǎn) — use 显然 when emphasizing a conclusion drawn from evidence, while 明显 is more about something being readily observable.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bright light (显) shining down on a clear path (然), illuminating everything in sight. This vivid image helps you remember that 显然 means 'obviously' or 'clearly.' The components suggest that clarity is being revealed.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 显然 with similar words like 明显 (míngxiǎn), which also means 'obvious' but can be slightly more formal. This word is used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure the tone matches the seriousness of the subject matter.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 显然 connects well with other adverbs and adjectives describing clarity and certainty. Students should focus on using it in sentences to express clear opinions or observations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of clarity and obviousness often relates to direct communication styles that value transparency and honesty. Thus, using 显然 can reflect a straightforward approach in discussions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 显然 by placing it in positions that disrupt the flow of a sentence. For example, saying '我显然知道' (I obviously know) is correct, but saying '我知道显然' (I know obviously) is awkward and incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 显然
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Grammar Patterns of 显然
显然 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
很____，史密斯不是他的真名。
Smith isn't his real name, that stands to reason.
Example Sentences for 显然 (10)
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1
很显然，史密斯不是他的真名。
hěn xiǎn rán， ， shǐ mì sī bù shì tā de zhēn。
Smith isn't his real name, that stands to reason.
2
她对该地区一无所知，这显然对她不利。
tā duì gāi dì qū yī wú suǒ zhī， ， zhè xiǎn rán duì tā bù。
Her ignorance of the area put her at a decided disadvantage.
George Fraser was clearly a good soldier, calm and resilient.
Cultural Notes for 显然
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of clarity and obviousness often relates to direct communication styles that value transparency and honesty. Thus, using 显然 can reflect a straightforward approach in discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 显然
Yes, 显然 is suitable for formal contexts as it emphasizes clarity and straightforwardness.
Yes, it can be used similarly to express that something is clear to everyone.
A synonym is 明显 (míngxiǎn), which also means 'obviously'.
