Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B2 adjective 11 min de lecture

obvio/a

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces obvio/a en 30 secondes

Explication obvio/a in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'obvio' is a useful word to express simple agreement or to point out very clear things. Think of it like the word 'clear' or 'yes' in some contexts. You will mostly use it in the phrase 'Es obvio' (It is obvious) to talk about the weather, colors, or basic feelings. It is important to remember that it is an adjective, so it ends in 'o' for masculine things and 'a' for feminine things. For example, 'El sol es obvio' (The sun is obvious/bright) or 'La respuesta es obvia' (The answer is obvious). At this stage, don't worry about complex sentences; just use it to show you understand something very simple. You might also hear people say '¡Obvio!' when they mean 'Of course!' If someone asks you if you like pizza, you can say '¡Obvio!' to show you really do.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the A2 level, you can start using 'obvio' to link ideas. You will likely use the phrase 'Es obvio que...' followed by a simple sentence. For example, 'Es obvio que tienes hambre' (It is obvious that you are hungry). You are beginning to understand that after 'es obvio que,' you use the normal present tense (indicative). You can also use it to describe nouns more accurately, like 'un error obvio' (an obvious mistake). You should practice making sure the word matches the noun it describes. If you are talking about 'las razones' (the reasons), you must say 'obvias.' This level is about becoming comfortable with the gender and number agreement of the word in everyday situations like shopping, traveling, or talking about your family.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the B1 level, you should be using 'obvio' to express opinions and state facts in a more structured way. You will use it in professional or social settings to justify your actions. For example, 'Por razones obvias, no pude venir ayer' (For obvious reasons, I couldn't come yesterday). You are also starting to use 'lo obvio' to mean 'the obvious thing.' This is a very common way to speak in Spanish. You might say, 'No podemos ignorar lo obvio' (We cannot ignore the obvious). At this level, you should also be aware of synonyms like 'claro' or 'evidente' and try to use them so you don't repeat 'obvio' too much. You are also learning that 'obvio' can be used to emphasize a point in a debate or discussion.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the B2 level, which is the target level for this word, you use 'obvio' with nuance and precision. You understand the difference between 'es obvio que' (indicative) and 'no es obvio que' (which can take the subjunctive or indicative depending on the speaker's intent to show doubt). You can use 'obvio' in more complex grammatical structures, such as with the verb 'resultar' (e.g., 'Resulta obvio que...'). You also understand the cultural weight of the word—how '¡Obvio!' can sound sarcastic or emphatic depending on the country. You use it in essays to transition between points and in conversations to quickly acknowledge shared knowledge. You are also familiar with the adverb 'obviamente' and use it to modify whole sentences to set a certain tone of certainty.

At the C1 level, you use 'obvio' and its variants to master the flow of formal and academic discourse. You are aware of its etymological roots and how it relates to other words like 'obviar' (to omit). You can use 'obvio' in sophisticated rhetorical questions or to point out logical fallacies in an argument. You might use it in legal or technical contexts where 'evidencia obvia' has specific implications. You also understand the subtle difference between 'obvio' and 'patente' or 'manifiesto,' choosing the word that best fits the desired level of formality and the specific type of 'clarity' you are describing. Your usage is seamless, and you never make mistakes with gender agreement or mood selection, even in long, complex sentences.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'obvio.' You can use it with irony, deep sarcasm, or profound philosophical weight. You might use it in literary analysis to discuss 'lo obvio' as a theme. You understand regionalisms perfectly—for instance, how a person from Buenos Aires uses 'obvio' differently than someone from Madrid. You can manipulate the word's position in a sentence to create specific rhythmic or stylistic effects. You are also able to explain the nuances of the word to others, including its relation to Latin and its historical development in the Spanish language. 'Obvio' is no longer just a word to you; it is a versatile tool that you use to navigate the highest levels of social, professional, and intellectual interaction.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

obvio/a en 30 secondes

Obvio/a means 'obvious' or 'evident' in Spanish and must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
It is frequently used in the impersonal phrase 'Es obvio que...' to state facts with high certainty.
As an interjection, '¡Obvio!' is a common way to say 'Of course!' or 'Duh!' in informal conversation.
While common, using it too much can sound dismissive, so synonyms like 'claro' or 'evidente' are often preferred.

The Spanish word obvio (masculine) or obvia (feminine) is a versatile adjective used to describe something that is easily perceived, understood, or recognized without the need for detailed explanation or proof. Derived from the Latin obvius, which literally meant 'standing in the way' or 'meeting in the path,' the word has evolved to signify something so prominent that it cannot be missed. In modern Spanish, it functions similarly to the English 'obvious,' 'evident,' or 'clear-cut.' However, its usage extends beyond mere description; it is frequently employed as an interjection to indicate agreement or to highlight the redundancy of a statement. When you use obvio, you are asserting that the information presented is self-evident and requires no further justification.

Grammatical Agreement: As an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, 'un error obvio' (a masculine singular noun) versus 'una solución obvia' (a feminine singular noun).

Es un hecho obvio que la tecnología ha cambiado nuestras vidas de manera radical.

In social contexts, especially among younger generations in countries like Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia, ¡Obvio! is used as a standalone response meaning 'Of course!' or 'Duh!' It conveys a sense of certainty that borders on the redundant. For example, if someone asks, 'Are you coming to the party?' and the answer is a resounding yes, one might simply reply, '¡Obvio!' This usage is informal and can sometimes carry a sarcastic undertone if the speaker feels the question was unnecessary.

Syntactic Function: It often appears in impersonal expressions followed by a subordinate clause: 'Es obvio que...' (It is obvious that...). In these cases, the indicative mood is used because the speaker is expressing a certainty.

Resulta obvia la necesidad de reformar el sistema educativo actual.

The word also appears frequently in academic and professional writing to transition between a premise and a logical conclusion. Phrases like 'por razones obvias' (for obvious reasons) allow the writer to skip over explanations that the audience is expected to already know. This helps maintain the flow of the argument without bogging the reader down in minutiae. However, one should be careful not to label something as 'obvious' if it is actually a point of contention, as this can alienate the reader.

La relación entre el consumo de azúcar y la diabetes es obvia para la mayoría de los médicos.

Register and Nuance: While 'evidente' is more formal, 'obvio' is perfectly acceptable in both formal and informal registers. It bridges the gap between everyday conversation and structured debate.

No es nada obvio por qué decidió renunciar a su puesto tan repentinamente.

Era obvio que ella no tenía la culpa, pero nadie quería escucharlo.

Using obvio effectively requires an understanding of its placement within a sentence and the grammatical structures it triggers. As a descriptive adjective, its primary role is to modify nouns, but its most common appearance in Spanish is within the impersonal phrase 'Es obvio que...' (It is obvious that...). This structure is vital for articulating observations and drawing conclusions in both speech and writing. Because 'obvio' expresses a high degree of certainty, the verb in the following clause typically remains in the indicative mood, unlike expressions of doubt or emotion which might trigger the subjunctive.

Adjectival Placement: When modifying a noun directly, 'obvio' usually follows the noun: 'un síntoma obvio'. Placing it before the noun ('un obvio síntoma') is possible in literary contexts but adds a poetic or emphatic weight that is less common in standard conversation.

La solución más obvia suele ser la correcta, según la navaja de Ockham.

When used with the verb 'resultar' (to turn out to be or to be evident), the sentence structure often flips. Instead of 'La falta de dinero es obvia,' you might hear 'Resulta obvia la falta de dinero.' This inversion is common in journalistic and academic Spanish to emphasize the state of clarity rather than the subject itself. It adds a level of sophistication to your Spanish that marks a transition from intermediate to advanced proficiency.

The Impersonal 'Lo': Using the neuter article 'lo' with 'obvio' creates a noun phrase meaning 'that which is obvious' or 'the obvious thing.' Example: 'Prefiero no ignorar lo obvio.'

A veces, estamos tan concentrados en los detalles que pasamos por alto lo obvio.

In questions, obvio can be used to seek confirmation of a perceived fact. '¿No es obvio?' (Isn't it obvious?) is a rhetorical tool used to bring an interlocutor to the same conclusion as the speaker. It is also used in 'si' (if) clauses to set up a conditional scenario where the outcome is guaranteed. 'Si haces eso, el resultado será obvio' (If you do that, the result will be obvious).

Pluralization: Don't forget to pluralize! 'Hay varios problemas obvios en este plan' or 'Las razones son obvias'.

Esas son mentiras obvias que cualquiera puede detectar.

Por razones obvias, no podemos revelar la identidad de nuestra fuente.

The word obvio is a staple of contemporary Spanish across all mediums, from the rapid-fire dialogue of Netflix series to the measured tones of political commentary. In everyday life, you are most likely to hear it in the context of conversational shortcuts. Spanish speakers value efficiency, and obvio serves as a perfect linguistic 'fast-forward' button. Whether it is a teenager responding to a parent's redundant advice or a colleague acknowledging a well-known fact in a meeting, the word signals that everyone is on the same page.

Pop Culture and Media: In movies and TV shows, 'obvio' is often used to characterize a 'cool' or 'know-it-all' personality. It appears in scripts whenever a character wants to show they are ahead of the curve or when they are pointing out a villain's 'obvious' mistake.

—¿Vas a ir al concierto? —¡Obvio! He estado esperando este día todo el año.

In the world of social media—TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter—the word is frequently used in captions and hashtags. The phrase 'Lo obvio' is often used to mock someone who states something everyone already knows, similar to the English 'Captain Obvious.' You might see a meme where someone describes a very simple situation and the comment section is filled with 'Gracias, obvio.' This shows the word's role in the modern digital lexicon as a tool for irony and social commentary.

Legal and Formal Contexts: In news broadcasts and judicial reports, you will hear 'evidencia obvia' or 'hechos obvios'. Here, it loses its conversational sass and takes on a weight of undeniable truth. Reporters use it to highlight the most striking aspects of a story.

Las cámaras de seguridad muestran una prueba obvia de la intrusión.

In educational settings, a teacher might use the word to guide students toward a logical conclusion: 'Es obvio que si sumamos dos y dos, el resultado es cuatro.' Here, it acts as a pedagogical tool to build confidence in the student's reasoning abilities. Conversely, a student might use it to ask for clarification on something they feel they should already know: 'Quizás sea obvio, pero ¿podría explicarlo de nuevo?' This humble use of the word helps mitigate the embarrassment of asking a simple question.

Aunque parezca obvio, mucha gente olvida guardar sus archivos antes de cerrar el programa.

Advertising: Marketers use 'obvio' to create a sense of necessity. 'La elección obvia para tu hogar' (The obvious choice for your home) suggests that the product is so superior that no other option should be considered.

No es obvio para todos, pero la calidad tiene un precio.

While obvio seems straightforward because of its English cognate, learners often stumble over gender agreement, mood selection, and over-reliance on the word in formal settings. One of the most frequent errors is failing to change the ending to match the noun. Since 'obvio' ends in -o, many beginners treat it as an invariable adverb even when it is functioning as an adjective. Remember: if the noun is feminine, you must use obvia.

Gender Mismatch: Incorrect: 'La respuesta es obvio.' Correct: 'La respuesta es obvia.' The adjective refers back to 'la respuesta' (feminine).

Fue una conclusión obvia después de ver los resultados del experimento.

Another common pitfall involves the use of the subjunctive mood. Learners often get into the habit of using the subjunctive after any impersonal expression (like 'es necesario que' or 'es posible que'). However, because 'es obvio que' denotes certainty and objective reality in the speaker's mind, it almost always takes the indicative. Using the subjunctive here can sound unnatural and confusing to native speakers.

Mood Error: Incorrect: 'Es obvio que él tenga razón.' Correct: 'Es obvio que él tiene razón.' (Indicative mood).

Es obvio que el equipo está cansado después de jugar tres partidos seguidos.

Learners also tend to use obvio as a filler word too frequently. In English, 'obviously' is often used to soften a statement or connect ideas. In Spanish, overusing obvio or obviamente can make the speaker sound arrogant or condescending. It is better to vary your vocabulary with words like 'claro,' 'naturalmente,' or 'evidentemente' to avoid sounding repetitive or dismissive of your listener's intelligence.

Confusing with 'Evidente': While often interchangeable, 'evidente' is preferred in formal reports. Using 'obvio' in a legal document might sound too informal or subjective.

No trates de ocultar lo obvio; todos sabemos lo que pasó anoche.

Era obvio que la puerta estaba cerrada, pero él intentó entrar de todos modos.

To truly master Spanish, you must know when to use obvio and when to opt for a synonym that provides a more precise nuance. Spanish is a language rich in synonyms, each carrying its own weight of formality, certainty, and regional flavor. While 'obvio' is the most direct equivalent to 'obvious,' alternatives like evidente, claro, and patente can elevate your speech and prevent you from sounding like a 'one-word' speaker.

Evidente vs. Obvio: Evidente is the academic and professional cousin of 'obvio.' It implies that there is evidence to support the claim. Use it in essays, business reports, or when you want to sound more objective.

Es evidente que las cifras de ventas han mejorado este trimestre.

Another frequent alternative is claro. While 'claro' literally means 'clear' or 'light,' it is used extensively to mean 'obvious' or 'of course.' It is much softer than 'obvio' and is the go-to word for daily conversation. If someone explains something to you and you understand, you say '¡Claro!' rather than '¡Obvio!', as the latter might imply you already knew it and they were wasting their breath.

Patente vs. Manifiesto: These are high-level literary terms. Patente suggests something that is clearly visible or manifest to the senses. Manifiesto implies something that has been made public or is undeniably clear to everyone involved.

Su descontento era patente en su expresión facial durante toda la reunión.

For informal contexts, you might hear lógico. If a result follows naturally from a set of circumstances, a Spaniard might say 'Es lógico' instead of 'Es obvio.' This emphasizes the reasoning behind the fact rather than just the fact itself. For example, 'Si no estudias, es lógico que repruebes' (If you don't study, it's logical/obvious that you'll fail).

Palpable: Used when an emotion or atmosphere is so obvious it feels like you could touch it. 'La tensión en la sala era palpable.'

Era manifiesto que el plan no iba a funcionar desde el principio.

Es lógico pensar que el precio subirá si la demanda aumenta.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The related Spanish verb 'obviar' actually means 'to clear the way' or 'to omit,' which is the opposite of something being 'in the way' like the adjective 'obvio' suggests.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈoβjo/

US /ˈoβjo/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: OB-vio.

Rime avec

novio (boyfriend) agrobio microbio (microbe) cenobio oprobio (opprobrium) exequio asocio negocio (business)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'b' too hard like an English 'b'. In Spanish, between vowels, it is soft.
Over-emphasizing the 'i' so it sounds like 'o-BEE-o'. It should be a quick glide.
Adding an 's' at the end (obvios) when the noun is singular.
Pronouncing the initial 'o' like the 'o' in 'go'. It should be a short, crisp 'o'.
Failing to pronounce the final 'a' clearly in the feminine form 'obvia'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'obvious'.

Écriture 3/5

Requires attention to gender/number agreement and mood selection.

Expression orale 2/5

Simple to pronounce, though the 'b' sound needs care.

Écoute 2/5

Often used in fast speech as a filler or interjection.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

claro ver razón que es

Apprends ensuite

obviamente evidente lógico patente obviar

Avancé

perogrullada axioma palmaria manifiesto evidencia

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective Agreement

La solución (fem) es obvia (fem).

Indicative Mood with Certainty

Es obvio que él *sabe* (indicative) la verdad.

Neuter Article 'Lo'

Lo obvio (the obvious thing) no siempre se ve.

Adverbial Formation

Obvio + mente = obviamente.

Negative Subjunctive (Optional)

No es obvio que *tenga* (subjunctive) razón.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

Es obvio.

It is obvious.

Simple impersonal expression using the verb 'ser'.

La respuesta es obvia.

The answer is obvious.

Feminine agreement: 'respuesta' (fem) + 'obvia'.

¡Obvio!

Of course! / Duh!

Used as an interjection.

Es un color obvio.

It is an obvious color.

Masculine agreement: 'color' (masc) + 'obvio'.

Es obvio que sí.

It is obvious that yes.

Using 'que' to introduce a confirmation.

No es obvio.

It is not obvious.

Negative form of the impersonal expression.

El error es obvio.

The error is obvious.

Masculine agreement: 'error' (masc) + 'obvio'.

Es una señal obvia.

It is an obvious sign.

Feminine agreement: 'señal' (fem) + 'obvia'.

Es obvio que tienes calor.

It is obvious that you are hot.

Use of 'que' + indicative present tense.

Él tiene una razón obvia para estar feliz.

He has an obvious reason to be happy.

Adjective modifying 'razón' (fem).

Sus intenciones son obvias.

Their intentions are obvious.

Plural feminine agreement: 'intenciones' + 'obvias'.

Es obvio que no quieres ir.

It is obvious that you don't want to go.

Indicative mood after 'es obvio que'.

Hay problemas obvios aquí.

There are obvious problems here.

Plural masculine agreement: 'problemas' + 'obvios'.

La diferencia es obvia entre los dos.

The difference is obvious between the two.

Adjective following the noun 'diferencia'.

Es obvio que ella es la jefa.

It is obvious that she is the boss.

Focus on the person being described.

Por razones obvias, cerramos temprano.

For obvious reasons, we are closing early.

Common prepositional phrase 'por razones obvias'.

No debemos ignorar lo obvio.

We must not ignore the obvious.

Use of the neuter article 'lo' with 'obvio'.

Es obvio que el sistema necesita una mejora.

It is obvious that the system needs an improvement.

Impersonal 'es obvio que' in a professional context.

Parece obvio, pero mucha gente se olvida.

It seems obvious, but many people forget.

Use of 'parece' (seems) instead of 'es'.

Ella tiene una ventaja obvia en esta carrera.

She has an obvious advantage in this race.

Adjective 'obvia' modifying 'ventaja'.

Es obvio que no han leído el manual.

It is obvious that they haven't read the manual.

Present perfect indicative after 'es obvio que'.

Por lo menos, lo obvio es que estamos perdidos.

At least, the obvious thing is that we are lost.

Using 'lo obvio' as the subject of the sentence.

Su falta de interés era obvia para todos.

His lack of interest was obvious to everyone.

Past tense 'era' with 'obvia'.

No es obvio cómo resolver este dilema.

It is not obvious how to resolve this dilemma.

Negative impersonal expression followed by an infinitive structure.

Resulta obvio que el cambio climático es real.

It turns out to be obvious that climate change is real.

Use of 'resultar' to add formal weight.

Es obvio que, dadas las circunstancias, no podemos continuar.

It is obvious that, given the circumstances, we cannot continue.

Complex sentence with an inserted phrase.

Su talento es obvio, pero le falta disciplina.

His talent is obvious, but he lacks discipline.

Contrastive sentence using 'pero'.

A veces, lo más obvio es lo más difícil de ver.

Sometimes, the most obvious thing is the hardest to see.

Superlative 'lo más obvio'.

No es tan obvio que la economía vaya a mejorar pronto.

It is not so obvious that the economy is going to improve soon.

Negative construction with 'tan' and the possibility of subjunctive 'vaya'.

Es obvio que ellos sabían lo que hacían.

It is obvious that they knew what they were doing.

Imperfect indicative 'sabían' after 'es obvio que'.

La ironía de la situación era obvia para el público.

The irony of the situation was obvious to the audience.

Complex subject 'La ironía de la situación'.

No trates de negar lo que es obvio para todos.

Don't try to deny what is obvious to everyone.

Imperative 'no trates' combined with a relative clause.

La relación causal entre ambos fenómenos es del todo obvia.

The causal relationship between both phenomena is entirely obvious.

Use of 'del todo' for emphasis in a formal context.

Resulta obvia la necesidad de una reforma estructural inmediata.

The need for an immediate structural reform is obvious.

Inverted sentence structure for rhetorical effect.

Aunque parezca una perogrullada, lo obvio requiere ser dicho.

Although it may seem like a platitude, the obvious needs to be said.

Use of 'perogrullada' (something so obvious it's silly to say).

Es obvio que subyacen motivos políticos tras esta decisión.

It is obvious that political motives underlie this decision.

Use of high-level verb 'subyacer' (to underlie).

La falta de rigor en el estudio es una falla obvia.

The lack of rigor in the study is an obvious flaw.

Academic tone and vocabulary.

No por obvio deja de ser importante recalcarlo.

Just because it's obvious doesn't mean it's not important to emphasize it.

Sophisticated 'No por [adjective] deja de...' construction.

Su desdén por las normas era obvio y desafiante.

His disdain for the rules was obvious and defiant.

Double adjective description.

Es obvio que el autor busca provocar al lector.

It is obvious that the author seeks to provoke the reader.

Literary analysis context.

La dicotomía entre lo obvio y lo oculto define su obra.

The dichotomy between the obvious and the hidden defines his work.

Abstract usage of 'lo obvio' in philosophical criticism.

Se antoja obvio que cualquier tentativa de mediación fracasará.

It seems obvious that any attempt at mediation will fail.

Use of 'se antoja' for a sophisticated 'it seems'.

La palmaria y obvia realidad de los hechos se impuso al final.

The clear and obvious reality of the facts prevailed in the end.

Hendiadys: using two synonyms ('palmaria' and 'obvia') for emphasis.

No es óbice que sea obvio para que debamos documentarlo.

The fact that it is obvious is no obstacle to our need to document it.

Use of 'no es óbice' (it is no obstacle/hindrance).

Su maestría técnica es tan obvia que trasciende la crítica.

His technical mastery is so obvious that it transcends criticism.

Consecutive clause with 'tan... que'.

Lo obvio se vuelve enigmático bajo su lente fotográfica.

The obvious becomes enigmatic under her photographic lens.

Paradoxical usage of the word.

Es de una obviedad tal que huelga cualquier comentario.

It is of such obviousness that any comment is unnecessary.

Using the noun 'obviedad' and the verb 'holgar' (to be unnecessary).

La verdad, por más obvia que fuera, le resultaba insoportable.

The truth, however obvious it might be, was unbearable to him.

Concessive clause 'por más... que' with the past subjunctive.

Collocations courantes

razón obvia

error obvio

elección obvia

es obvio que

resulta obvio

lo obvio

nada obvio

solución obvia

mentira obvia

ventaja obvia

Phrases Courantes

Por razones obvias

— Used to skip an explanation that everyone already knows.

Por razones obvias, el hospital está cerrado a visitas.

Caer en lo obvio

— To say or do something that is too predictable or unoriginal.

No quiero caer en lo obvio, pero la película fue mala.

Saltar a la vista

— An idiom meaning something is so obvious it 'jumps to the sight.'

Su talento salta a la vista.

Es más que obvio

— Used for extra emphasis on the clarity of a situation.

Es más que obvio que él está mintiendo.

Obvio que sí

— An emphatic way of saying 'Of course.'

¿Vienes? —¡Obvio que sí!

Lo más obvio del mundo

— Used to describe something extremely self-evident.

Es lo más obvio del mundo que el agua moja.

Negar lo obvio

— To refuse to accept a clear truth.

No puedes seguir negando lo obvio.

Hacerse el obvio

— Regional: To act in a way that makes one's intentions too clear.

No te hagas el obvio, ya sabemos qué quieres.

Nada más obvio

— There is nothing clearer than this.

Nada más obvio que su amor por ella.

Ver lo obvio

— To perceive the evident truth.

A veces es difícil ver lo obvio.

Souvent confondu avec

obvio/a vs obviar

This is a verb meaning 'to omit' or 'to avoid'. Don't use it to mean 'to make obvious'.

obvio/a vs claro

Often interchangeable, but 'claro' is more common for 'I understand' while 'obvio' is for 'It's evident'.

obvio/a vs evidente

'Evidente' is more formal and implies the presence of evidence.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Verlo hasta un ciego"

— Something so obvious that even a blind person could see it.

Ese error lo ve hasta un ciego.

Informal

"Caer de su peso"

— Something that is so obvious it falls by its own weight (logical necessity).

La verdad cae de su propio peso.

Neutral

"Estar cantado"

— To be obvious or predictable, like a song everyone knows.

Su despido ya estaba cantado.

Informal

"Blanco y en botella"

— Used when the answer is obvious (referring to milk).

Es blanco y en botella: ¡es leche!

Informal (Spain)

"De cajón"

— Something that is obvious or a matter of common sense.

Eso es algo de cajón.

Informal

"Saltar a los ojos"

— To be extremely apparent.

La diferencia salta a los ojos.

Neutral

"No tener vuelta de hoja"

— Something that is so obvious or settled that there is no other way to see it.

Esta situación no tiene vuelta de hoja.

Neutral

"A ojos vistas"

— Clearly, visibly, or obviously.

El negocio está creciendo a ojos vistas.

Formal

"Gritar a voces"

— To be so obvious that it is as if it were shouting.

Su culpabilidad gritaba a voces.

Neutral

"Ser harina de otro costal"

— Though often meaning 'a different story,' it's used to contrast an obvious fact with a separate one.

Eso es obvio, pero esto es harina de otro costal.

Neutral

Facile à confondre

obvio/a vs obviedad

Noun vs Adjective

Obvio is the adjective (clear), while obviedad is the noun (the quality of being clear or a platitude).

Dijo una obviedad que todos ya sabían.

obvio/a vs obviamente

Adverb vs Adjective

Obviamente modifies the whole sentence or a verb; obvio modifies a noun.

Obviamente, no vendrá hoy.

obvio/a vs obviado

Past Participle of 'obviar'

Obviado means 'omitted', not 'made obvious'.

Ese detalle fue obviado por el autor.

obvio/a vs evidente

Synonym

Evidente sounds more scientific or legal; obvio sounds more personal or conversational.

Es una prueba evidente del crimen.

obvio/a vs lógico

Synonym

Lógico implies a process of reasoning; obvio implies direct perception.

Es lógico que si llueve, te mojes.

Structures de phrases

Es [adjective].

Es obvio.

Es obvio que [sentence].

Es obvio que ella está feliz.

Por [noun] obvias, [sentence].

Por razones obvias, no iré.

Resulta obvio que [sentence].

Resulta obvio que no hay dinero.

No por obvio deja de [verb].

No por obvio deja de ser cierto.

Es de una [noun] tal que [sentence].

Es de una obviedad tal que no diré nada.

Lo [adjective] es que [sentence].

Lo obvio es que estamos cansados.

Nada más [adjective] que [noun].

Nada más obvio que su sonrisa.

Famille de mots

Noms

obviedad (obviousness/platitude)

Verbes

obviar (to omit/to avoid - note the different meaning)

Adjectifs

obvio

obvia

Apparenté

evidente

claro

visible

manifiesto

patente

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Spanish.

Erreurs courantes

La respuesta es obvio. → La respuesta es obvia.
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun 'respuesta'. Beginners often forget to change the -o to -a.
Es obvio que él tenga hambre. → Es obvio que él tiene hambre.
After 'es obvio que', we use the indicative mood because we are expressing certainty, not doubt or desire.
Por obvias razones... → Por razones obvias...
While 'obvias razones' is technically possible in poetry, in standard Spanish the adjective usually follows the noun.
Él es muy obviamente. → Él es muy obvio.
You cannot use an adverb (obviamente) to describe a person's character directly after 'ser'. You need the adjective.
No quiero obviar lo obvio. → No quiero ignorar lo obvio.
While 'obviar' is a word, it means to omit. If you mean 'ignore' in a psychological sense, 'ignorar' is often clearer.

Astuces

Gender Agreement

Always check the noun you are describing. If it's feminine like 'la mentira', use 'obvia'. If it's masculine like 'el problema', use 'obvio'. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.

Tone Matters

In some countries, '¡Obvio!' can sound sarcastic. If you want to be safe and polite, use '¡Claro!' or 'Por supuesto' instead when agreeing with someone.

Use Synonyms

To sound more advanced, use 'evidente' in formal writing and 'lógico' when something is a natural result of a situation. This shows you have a rich vocabulary.

Avoid Redundancy

Don't say 'Es obvio y evidente'. Choose one. Using both together is a common pleonasm that usually doesn't add anything to your sentence.

Listen for 'Lo'

Pay attention to when native speakers use 'lo obvio'. It's a great way to talk about general truths without needing a specific noun.

Soft 'B'

Practice saying the word without letting your lips pop. The 'b' should be smooth and continuous, not a hard stop like in 'boy'.

Impersonal Phrases

Remember that 'Es obvio que...' is a complete thought. You don't need to add 'it' (like 'Es ello obvio'). Just 'Es obvio' is enough.

The 'Duh' Factor

Only use '¡Obvio!' as an interjection with friends. Using it with a teacher or boss might make them think you find their explanation stupid.

Resulta Obvio

Use 'Resulta obvio' instead of 'Es obvio' to sound like a native speaker who is analyzing a situation carefully.

The Path

Remember the Latin root 'via'. If something is in the 'via' (the way), it is 'obvio' because you can't miss it.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of an 'OBstacle' in your 'VIA' (way). If an obstacle is in your way, it is 'OBVIO' that you have to stop.

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant neon sign in the middle of a dark road. You can't miss it; it's 'obvio'.

Word Web

obvio obviamente obviedad evidente claro lógico visible patente

Défi

Try to use 'obvio' in three different ways today: as a simple agreement ('¡Obvio!'), as a descriptor ('una razón obvia'), and in an impersonal phrase ('Es obvio que...').

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'obvius', meaning 'that which is in the way' or 'met on the road'. It is composed of 'ob' (against/before) and 'via' (way/road).

Sens originel : Originally, it meant something you literally run into while walking, hence something you cannot avoid seeing.

It belongs to the Romance language family, derived from Latin.

Contexte culturel

Be careful using 'obvio' with superiors or elders. It can imply that they are saying something stupid or redundant. Stick to 'claro' in those cases.

English speakers use 'obviously' similarly, but 'obvio' as a standalone word is more common in Spanish than 'Obvious!' is in English (where we'd say 'Duh' or 'Clearly').

The movie 'El Hoyo' (The Platform) uses the concept of 'obvio' through the character Trimagasi who frequently says 'obvio' to explain the harsh rules of the prison. The phrase 'lo obvio' appears in various Spanish poems to contrast with the 'misterioso'. In many Telenovelas, '¡Es obvio!' is a classic line during a dramatic reveal.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Logical Conclusions

Es obvio que...
Por lo tanto, es obvio.
Resulta obvio que...
Es la conclusión obvia.

Daily Agreement

¡Obvio!
Obvio que sí.
Pero es obvio.
¡Qué obvio eres!

Professional Critiques

Hay un error obvio.
Es una falla obvia.
Por razones obvias, no podemos.
La falta de datos es obvia.

Describing People

Es muy obvio con sus sentimientos.
No seas tan obvio.
Sus mentiras son obvias.
Tiene un talento obvio.

Philosophical Discussion

Lo obvio es subjetivo.
Ignorar lo obvio.
La obviedad de la existencia.
Más allá de lo obvio.

Amorces de conversation

"¿Crees que es obvio cuando alguien está mintiendo?"

"¿Qué es algo que te parece obvio pero que otros no entienden?"

"¿Es obvio para ti cuál es el mejor restaurante de la ciudad?"

"¿Crees que los errores obvios son los más fáciles de perdonar?"

"En tu cultura, ¿es grosero responder simplemente '¡Obvio!'?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escribe sobre una situación en la que ignoraste lo obvio y qué pasó después.

Describe una verdad que consideras obvia sobre la vida moderna.

¿Por qué crees que a veces lo más obvio es lo más difícil de notar?

Escribe un diálogo entre dos personas donde una es muy obvia y la otra no entiende nada.

Reflexiona sobre la frase: 'No por obvio deja de ser importante'.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, '¡Obvio!' is very common as an informal way to say 'Of course!' or 'Duh!' It is especially popular in Latin American countries like Argentina and Mexico. However, use it carefully as it can sound a bit rude if the other person is sensitive.

In the phrase 'Es obvio que...', you almost always use the indicative because you are stating a certainty. If you make it negative ('No es obvio que...'), you can use the subjunctive to show doubt, but even then, many speakers stick to the indicative if they are stating a fact about the lack of clarity.

'Claro' is more versatile and generally more polite. You say '¡Claro!' to show you are following a conversation. 'Obvio' is more emphatic and points out that the information is self-evident. 'Claro' is like 'Clear/Sure,' while 'Obvio' is like 'Obvious'.

You simply add an 's'. If you are talking about masculine plural nouns, use 'obvios' (e.g., 'errores obvios'). for feminine plural nouns, use 'obvias' (e.g., 'razones obvias').

Yes, 'obviamente' is an adverb that works exactly like 'obviously' in English. It usually appears at the beginning of a sentence to set the tone: 'Obviamente, no podemos ir así'.

'Lo obvio' is a neuter noun phrase meaning 'the obvious thing' or 'that which is obvious'. It is used when referring to a general concept rather than a specific masculine or feminine noun. Example: 'Prefiero no ignorar lo obvio'.

Yes, it is acceptable, but 'evidente' or 'resulta obvio' is often preferred in high-level academic writing to sound more objective and sophisticated.

'Una obviedad' is a noun that refers to a statement that is so obvious it is almost pointless to say. In English, we might call this a 'platitude' or a 'truism'. For example: 'Decir que el agua moja es una obviedad'.

Yes, if you say 'Él es muy obvio,' it means his intentions or feelings are very easy to read. He is not good at hiding what he thinks or feels.

Not exactly. In Spanish, when 'b' is between vowels or after a vowel, it is 'soft' (fricative). Your lips don't fully close. It sounds halfway between an English 'b' and 'v'.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes