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B1 noun 8 min de lecture

当たり前

atarimae

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 当たり前 en 30 secondes

Explication 当たり前 in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of 'Atarimae' as a strong way to say 'Of course' or 'Normal.' You might hear it in simple phrases like 'Atarimae desu' (It's natural). Imagine someone asks if you like food. You could say 'Atarimae desu!' to mean 'Of course I do!' It's used for things that are very simple and clear to everyone, like the sun rising or people eating when they are hungry. At this stage, focus on the basic feeling that something is 'no surprise' and 'just how it is.' You will mostly see it written in Hiragana (あたりまえ) at this level.

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At the A2 level, you start using 'Atarimae' to describe basic social manners. For example, saying 'Arigatou' (thank you) is 'atarimae.' You can use the pattern '[Verb] no wa atarimae desu' to talk about daily habits. 'Mainichi benkyou suru no wa atarimae desu' (Studying every day is natural/expected). You begin to see the difference between this and 'Mochiron' (Of course). While 'Mochiron' is a polite 'yes,' 'Atarimae' is more about the fact itself being obvious. You will also learn the Kanji: 当たり前.

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At the B1 level (your current level), 'Atarimae' becomes a tool for expressing common sense and social expectations. You understand that it's not just 'natural' like nature, but 'natural' like 'what a good person does.' You can use it as a Na-adjective: 'Atarimae no koto' (a matter of course). You also start using it in more complex sentences to express disappointment or logical conclusions. For example, 'Kare ga okoru no wa atarimae da' (It's only natural that he is angry). You are learning the nuance that 'atarimae' can sometimes sound a bit strong or even rude if used incorrectly, so you are careful with your tone.

At the B2 level, you should be able to distinguish 'Atarimae' from 'Touzen' (当然). While 'Atarimae' is rooted in social common sense and daily experience, 'Touzen' is based on logic, laws, or universal truths. You can use 'Atarimae no you ni' (as if it were natural) to describe someone's behavior or habits with nuance. You also understand the cultural background: that 'atarimae' often implies a shared set of values among Japanese people. You can use it to talk about rights ('atarimae no kenri') or duties without sounding like you are just translating from English.

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At the C1 level, you use 'Atarimae' to discuss abstract concepts and societal structures. You might analyze what is considered 'atarimae' in different cultures and how those norms change over time. You understand the rhetorical use of 'Atarimae janai ka' to challenge someone's logic or to emphasize a point in a debate. You can use the word in literary or high-level contexts, such as 'Atarimae no nichijou' (the mundane/obvious daily life) to contrast with extraordinary events. Your usage includes subtle emotional coloring, such as using the word to express the tragedy of losing something one took for granted.

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At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of the word's philosophical implications. You understand 'Atarimae' as a reflection of 'Sekenzu' (social consciousness). You can use it in sophisticated wordplay or in highly formal speeches where you might intentionally choose 'Atarimae' over 'Touzen' to create a sense of shared humanity and warmth. You can navigate the most delicate social situations where calling something 'atarimae' might be an act of extreme politeness (humbling oneself) or a sharp, indirect criticism. You are aware of the historical evolution of the term from its origins in the Edo period to its modern usage.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

当たり前 en 30 secondes

Atarimae means 'obvious' or 'natural.' Use it for common sense, social manners, and logical results that everyone agrees on.
It functions as a noun or na-adjective. Common patterns include 'Atarimae da' (It's obvious) and 'Atarimae no koto' (A natural thing).
It is less formal than 'Touzen' and more focused on social norms than 'Futsuu.' It's very common in daily Japanese conversation.
Be careful: telling someone something is 'atarimae' can sometimes sound condescending if you aren't careful with your tone and context.

The Japanese word 当たり前 (atarimae) is a foundational concept in Japanese communication that translates roughly to 'obvious,' 'natural,' 'a matter of course,' or 'common sense.' While English speakers might use these terms interchangeably, atarimae carries a specific weight regarding social expectations and the inherent order of the world. It is used to describe actions, behaviors, or facts that are so universally accepted or logically certain that they require no explanation or justification.

The Essence of Social Norms: In a Japanese context, atarimae often refers to the 'unspoken rules' of society. For instance, returning a lost wallet to the police or being on time for a meeting isn't just 'good'—it is atarimae. It represents the baseline of human decency and social responsibility.
Natural Consequences: It also applies to cause-and-effect relationships. If you don't study and you fail an exam, that outcome is atarimae. It emphasizes that the result was inevitable and predictable based on the preceding actions.

「お礼を言うのは当たり前のことです。」
(O-rei o iu no wa atarimae no koto desu.)
"Saying thank you is the natural/obvious thing to do."

The word is versatile, appearing in casual conversations between friends, professional feedback from a boss, and even in deep philosophical discussions about the nature of life. When a friend helps you and you thank them profusely, they might dismiss it with "Atarimae da yo!" (Of course!/Don't mention it!), implying that helping a friend is so basic that it doesn't need such high praise. This usage showcases the word's ability to act as a bridge of mutual understanding and shared values.

「努力した人が成功するのは当たり前だ。」
(Doryoku shita hito ga seikou suru no wa atarimae da.)
"It is only natural that those who make an effort succeed."

Furthermore, atarimae acts as a noun, a na-adjective, and an adverbial phrase (when followed by no you ni). This flexibility allows it to fit into various grammatical slots, making it one of the most high-frequency words in the Japanese lexicon for expressing certainty and expectation. Understanding atarimae is a key step in moving from a literal understanding of Japanese to a cultural one, as it taps into the collective psyche of what is considered 'standard' in Japan.

Using 当たり前 correctly requires understanding its three primary grammatical forms: as a predicate (ending a sentence), as a modifier for nouns, and as an adverb. Each form serves a different purpose in conveying the 'obviousness' of a situation.

1. As a Predicate (State of Being): The most common way to use it is [Subject/Clause] + は当たり前だ/です. This directly states that the subject or action is natural or expected.

「毎日歯を磨くのは当たり前ですよ。」
(Mainichi ha o migaku no wa atarimae desu yo.)
"Brushing your teeth every day is just common sense/natural."

2. As a Modifier (The 'Natural' Thing): When modifying a noun, use 当たり前の [Noun]. This describes something that is standard or to be expected.

「彼は当たり前の権利を主張した。」
(Kare wa atarimae no kenri o shuchou shita.)
"He asserted his natural/obvious rights."

3. Adverbial Use (As if it were natural): Using 当たり前のように allows you to describe an action performed with such ease or lack of hesitation that it seems completely natural to the person doing it.

「彼女は当たり前のように嘘をつく。」
(Kanojo wa atarimae no you ni uso o tsuku.)
"She tells lies as if it were the most natural thing in the world."

It is important to note the formality. Atarimae is neutral to slightly casual. In very formal writing or business speeches, you might opt for 当然 (touzen), which sounds more logical and objective. However, atarimae is far more common in daily spoken Japanese. It provides a human element to the 'obviousness'—it implies a shared human experience rather than just a cold, logical fact.

In summary, whether you are describing a social duty, a logical outcome, or a habitual action, atarimae is your go-to word. It bridges the gap between 'fact' and 'norm,' allowing you to express that something is exactly as it should be.

You will encounter 当たり前 almost everywhere in Japan, from the mundane to the dramatic. Its frequency in media and daily life makes it a essential part of any B1-level learner's vocabulary. Here are the most common contexts where the word shines.

Anime and Manga Tropes: In shonen anime, when a hero is thanked for saving a village, they will often say "Atarimae no koto o shita dake da" (I only did what was natural/expected). It characterizes the protagonist as humble and driven by an internal moral compass rather than a desire for praise.

「仲間を助けるのは当たり前だろ！」
(Nakama o tasukeru no wa atarimae daro!)
"It's obvious that you'd help your friends, right!?"

The Workplace and Customer Service: In professional settings, managers use atarimae to set standards. A phrase like "Atarimae no koto o atarimae ni yaru" (Doing the obvious things obviously/consistently) is a common business slogan emphasizing the importance of basic competence and reliability.

You also hear it in parental corrections. Parents tell their children, "Kutsu o soroeru no wa atarimae deshou" (Lining up your shoes is expected, isn't it?). Here, it functions as a tool for socialization, teaching the next generation the 'standard' way to exist in Japanese society. It is less about 'rules' and more about 'what everyone does.'

「そんなの、当たり前じゃないか。」
(Sonna no, atarimae janai ka.)
"Isn't that just obvious? (Rhetorical)"

Finally, in romantic dramas, a character might realize that the person always by their side was someone they took for granted. They might say, "Atarimae da to omotte ita" (I thought [your presence] was a given/natural). This highlights the word's emotional depth, showing how 'obvious' things can become 'invisible' until they are gone.

While 当たり前 is a versatile word, English speakers often trip up on its nuance compared to similar Japanese terms like touzen, futsuu, and mochiron. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Japanese sound much more natural.

Mistake 1: Overusing it for 'Of Course': If someone asks, "Can I borrow your pen?" and you say "Atarimae da!", it can sound slightly aggressive or condescending, as if you're saying "Obviously, why are you even asking?" Instead, use もちろん (mochiron) for polite agreement or permission.

❌ 「ペンを借りてもいい？」「当たり前だ！」
(Incorrect: Sounds like "Duh!")
✅ 「ペンを借りてもいい？」「もちろんだよ。」
"Can I borrow a pen?" "Of course."

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Ordinary' (Futsuu): Futsuu (普通) means 'average' or 'normal' in a statistical sense. Atarimae means 'proper' or 'expected' in a logical or moral sense. If you say a meal was atarimae, you are saying it was exactly as expected (logical), which might sound like a weirdly philosophical review of a burger. Use futsuu to mean it was just an average meal.

Another mistake is the grammatical placement. Remember that atarimae is a na-adjective/noun. Learners often forget the no when modifying nouns (e.g., saying atarimae koto instead of atarimae no koto). This small particle is vital for the sentence to feel structurally sound to a native ear.

❌ 当たり前結果。
✅ 当たり前の結果。
"The obvious/natural result."

Lastly, be careful with the tone. Saying "Atarimae deshou?" (It's obvious, isn't it?) with a rising intonation can sound quite condescending if the other person genuinely didn't know something. It effectively calls their common sense into question. Use it sparingly when you want to be supportive or assertive, but avoid it if you want to remain humble.

To truly master 当たり前, you must see how it fits into the ecosystem of Japanese words for 'normality' and 'certainty.' Each alternative has a specific flavor and register.

当たり前 (Atarimae) vs. 当然 (Touzen)

Atarimae: Common, daily, focuses on social norms and human common sense.
Touzen: Formal, logical, focuses on objective reasoning and 'natural laws.'

「犯人が捕まるのは当然だ。」
(Hannin ga tsukamaru no wa touzen da.)
"It is only natural (logical/just) that the criminal is caught."

当たり前 (Atarimae) vs. 普通 (Futsuu)

Atarimae: It should be this way (moral/logical expectation).
Futsuu: It usually is this way (statistical average).

If you say "It's futsuu to eat breakfast," you mean most people do it. If you say "It's atarimae to eat breakfast," you mean it is a fundamental, obvious requirement for a healthy life.

Other Alternatives

無理もない (Muri mo nai): "It's no wonder." Used when sympathizing with someone's reaction (e.g., "It's no wonder you're angry").
言わずもがな (Iwazu mo gana): "Needless to say." A more literary way to express that something is obvious.

By choosing the right word, you signal your understanding of the situation's context. Atarimae remains the most versatile because it hits the sweet spot between being too formal and too casual, making it the 'standard' word for 'standard' things.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The Kanji '当たり前' are ateji (phonetic characters). 'Atari' means hitting the mark, and 'Mae' means in front/portion. Together, they suggest something that 'hits the standard portion' of expectation.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ə.tæ.ri.ma.e/

US /ɑ.tɑ.ri.mɑ.eɪ/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'Atarimae', the pitch typically starts low, rises on 'ta', and stays high until the end (Heiban style).

Rime avec

Namae (name) Kamae (posture) Sanae (rice seedlings) Kanae (fulfill) Tatae (praise) Hikae (memo) Makae (entrust) Osae (restraint)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'r' like an English 'r' (keep it light and flapped).
Putting heavy stress on one syllable (keep it flat).
Mispelling it as 'Atarima' (don't forget the final 'e').
Confusing the 'ma' and 'me' sounds.
Using a long 'aa' at the beginning.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The Kanji are common, but it's often written in Hiragana. Easy to recognize.

Écriture 3/5

Writing 'Atari' (当) and 'Mae' (前) is basic, but remembering the 'ri' (り) in the middle is important.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation is simple, but getting the 'pitch accent' right takes a little practice.

Écoute 1/5

Very high frequency word; you will hear it in almost every TV show or conversation.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

当然 (Touzen) 普通 (Futsuu) 前 (Mae) 当たる (Ataru) こと (Koto)

Apprends ensuite

常識 (Joushiki) 意外 (Igai) 不思議 (Fushigi) 納得 (Nattoku) 流石 (Sasuga)

Avancé

自明の理 (Jimei no ri) 不条理 (Fujouri) 形而上学 (Keijijougaku) 普遍的 (Fuhenteki)

Grammaire à connaître

Nominalization with 'No' (の)

食べるのは当たり前だ。 (Eating is natural.)

Na-Adjective Modification with 'No' (の) vs 'Na' (な)

当たり前のこと (Natural thing) vs 当たり前な顔 (Natural face - less common but used).

Adverbial form '~ no you ni' (〜のように)

当たり前のように座る。 (Sit down as if it were natural.)

Sentence ending particle 'janai ka' (じゃないか)

当たり前じゃないか！ (Isn't it obvious?!)

Cause/Reason with 'kara' (から)

準備したから、成功するのは当たり前だ。 (Because I prepared, succeeding is only natural.)

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Exemples par niveau

あたりまえです。

It's obvious / Of course.

Simple predicate form.

たべるのはあたりまえだ。

Eating is natural.

Verb nominalized with 'no' + wa + atarimae.

あいさつはあたりまえです。

Greetings are common sense.

Noun + wa + atarimae.

ねるのはあたりまえだよ。

Sleeping is obvious (necessary).

Casual 'da yo' ending.

あたりまえのこと。

A natural thing.

Atarimae modifying the noun 'koto'.

あたりまえじゃない。

It's not obvious / It's not natural.

Negative form 'janai'.

みずをのむのはあたりまえ。

Drinking water is natural.

Noun clause as subject.

それはあたりまえだね。

That is natural, isn't it?

Sentence ending particle 'ne'.

毎日お風呂に入るのは当たり前です。

Taking a bath every day is a matter of course.

Describes a daily cultural habit.

約束を守るのは当たり前だ。

Keeping promises is common sense.

Focuses on social morality.

当たり前のことをしただけです。

I only did what was expected/natural.

Common humble response to thanks.

テストの前に勉強するのは当たり前だよ。

Studying before a test is obvious, you know.

Logical expectation.

そんなの当たり前じゃないか！

Isn't that just obvious!?

Rhetorical question 'janai ka'.

当たり前の生活がしたい。

I want to have a normal/ordinary life.

Modifying 'seikatsu' (life).

遅刻すれば怒られるのは当たり前だ。

It's natural to get scolded if you're late.

Conditional 'ba' clause + atarimae.

当たり前のように彼は座った。

He sat down as if it were the natural thing to do.

Adverbial 'no you ni'.

親が子供を心配するのは当たり前だ。

It's only natural for parents to worry about their children.

Expressing universal human emotions.

当たり前のことができない人が増えている。

The number of people who can't do the basic/obvious things is increasing.

Critical social observation.

彼は当たり前のような顔をして嘘をついた。

He told a lie with a perfectly natural look on his face.

Describing a deceptive demeanor.

この結果は、努力を考えれば当たり前です。

This result is obvious, considering the effort.

Connecting results to effort.

当たり前のマナーを守ってください。

Please observe basic manners.

Polite request using 'atarimae no'.

そんなこと、当たり前すぎて誰も言わない。

That's so obvious that nobody even mentions it.

Adjective + sugiru (too much).

健康であることは当たり前ではない。

Being healthy is not something to be taken for granted.

Expressing gratitude/perspective.

失敗したのは当たり前だ、準備が足りなかった。

It's natural you failed; you weren't prepared enough.

Cause and effect reasoning.

科学的に考えれば、そうなるのは当たり前だ。

Thinking scientifically, it's only natural it would turn out that way.

More logical/objective use.

当たり前の日常がどれほど大切か気づいた。

I realized how precious an ordinary daily life is.

Emotional/Reflective tone.

彼は当たり前のようにリーダーシップを発揮した。

He naturally exerted leadership (as if it were his role).

Adverbial phrase for natural ability.

プロなら、これぐらいできて当たり前だ。

If you're a professional, being able to do this much is expected.

Setting high standards/expectations.

当たり前の権利として、休暇を申請する。

I will apply for leave as a natural right.

Rights and social structures.

それを当たり前だと思わないでほしい。

I don't want you to take that for granted.

Warning against complacency.

当たり前のことを当たり前にやるのが一番難しい。

Doing the obvious things consistently is the hardest part.

Philosophical business mantra.

当然といえば当然だが、当たり前と言えば当たり前だ。

It's natural if you say it's natural, but it's obvious if you say it's obvious.

Nuance play between synonyms.

近代社会において、教育は当たり前の権利と見なされる。

In modern society, education is regarded as a fundamental right.

Formal societal discussion.

当たり前の価値観を疑うことから哲学は始まる。

Philosophy begins with doubting common-sense values.

Academic/Philosophical context.

彼は当たり前のようにその難問を解いてのけた。

He solved that difficult problem as if it were nothing at all.

Describing extraordinary skill as 'natural'.

当たり前のことが通用しない世界に迷い込んだ。

I wandered into a world where common sense doesn't apply.

Fantasy or psychological context.

その不条理が、この村では当たり前とされていた。

That absurdity was considered normal in this village.

Literary description of norms.

当たり前の幸せを噛み締める。

To fully appreciate/savor ordinary happiness.

Poetic/Emotional expression.

市場の原理からすれば、価格が上がるのは当たり前だ。

From the principles of the market, it's natural for prices to rise.

Economic reasoning.

当たり前だと思っていた平和が、一瞬で崩れた。

The peace I took for granted collapsed in an instant.

Dramatic/Narrative use.

道徳的必然性としての「当たり前」を再定義する必要がある。

There is a need to redefine 'atarimae' as a moral necessity.

Deeply analytical/theoretical.

彼は、当たり前という名の暴力に屈しなかった。

He did not yield to the 'violence' known as common sense (conformity).

Metaphorical/Sociopolitical critique.

当たり前の事象を記述することこそ、文学の極致である。

Describing the mundane is the pinnacle of literature.

Literary theory.

それは、当たり前を超越した一種の様式美であった。

It was a kind of stylistic beauty that transcended the natural.

Aesthetic criticism.

当たり前が当たり前でなくなる瞬間に、真実が露呈する。

Truth is exposed at the moment when the obvious ceases to be obvious.

Philosophical paradox.

共同体の「当たり前」を共有することが、帰属意識の源泉だ。

Sharing the 'norms' of a community is the source of a sense of belonging.

Sociological analysis.

当たり前のように振る舞うことの困難さを、彼は知っていた。

He knew the difficulty of acting as if everything were normal.

Psychological depth.

宇宙の法則に従えば、万物が流転するのは当たり前である。

According to the laws of the universe, it is only natural that all things are in flux.

Existential/Scientific grandiosity.

Collocations courantes

当たり前のこと

当たり前のように

当たり前だと思っている

当たり前じゃないか

当たり前の権利

当たり前の日常

当たり前のマナー

当たり前すぎて

当たり前になる

当たり前だという顔

Phrases Courantes

当たり前だのクラッカー

— A famous pun from a 1960s TV commercial. It's an old-fashioned way to say 'Of course!'

「明日も来る？」「当たり前だのクラッカー！」

当たり前を疑う

— To question common sense or things taken for granted. Often used in innovation or philosophy.

成功のためには、当たり前を疑うことが必要だ。

当たり前の幸せ

— The simple, everyday happiness that people often overlook. A common theme in songs and literature.

当たり前の幸せを大切にしたい。

当たり前のこととして

— Taking something as a given or as a starting point. Used to set context.

それを当たり前のこととして話を進める。

当たり前の一歩

— A basic first step. Often used in self-improvement or business contexts.

まずは当たり前の一歩から始めよう。

当たり前ではない

— Emphasizing that something is actually a privilege or not guaranteed. Used to show gratitude.

今の生活は当たり前ではない。

当たり前だろ

— A very casual, slightly rough way to say 'Duh' or 'Obviously.' Common among male friends.

「手伝ってくれる？」「当たり前だろ！」

当たり前の基準

— The standard of what is expected. Used in business to talk about quality control.

わが社の当たり前の基準は高い。

当たり前が一番

— The idea that being 'normal' or 'standard' is the best or safest way to be.

結局、当たり前が一番落ち着く。

当たり前を見直す

— To re-evaluate standard procedures or beliefs. Common in business reform.

業務の当たり前を見直す時期だ。

Souvent confondu avec

当たり前 vs 当然 (Touzen)

Touzen is logical/formal; Atarimae is social/conversational.

当たり前 vs 普通 (Futsuu)

Futsuu is about statistics (average); Atarimae is about expectations (norm).

当たり前 vs もちろん (Mochiron)

Mochiron is for 'yes/permission'; Atarimae is for 'fact/nature'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"当たり前を当たり前にやる"

— To consistently do the basic, expected things without fail. It's a hallmark of professionalism.

プロの仕事は、当たり前を当たり前にやることだ。

Professional

"当たり前のことを当たり前に言う"

— To state the obvious. Can be positive (honesty) or negative (lacking insight).

彼は当たり前のことを当たり前に言う正直な人だ。

Neutral

"当たり前が牙を剥く"

— When the things you took for granted suddenly become problems or threats.

平和な当たり前が牙を剥く瞬間がある。

Literary

"当たり前を背負う"

— To carry the responsibility of maintaining norms or expectations.

彼はリーダーとして当たり前を背負っている。

Nuanced

"当たり前に甘える"

— To take someone's kindness or a stable situation for granted.

親の優しさに当たり前に甘えてはいけない。

Moral

"当たり前を壊す"

— To break conventions or challenge the status quo.

新しい芸術は、常に当たり前を壊してきた。

Creative

"当たり前に潜む"

— Something hidden within the mundane or obvious.

当たり前に潜む危険に気づくべきだ。

Cautions

"当たり前を享受する"

— To enjoy the benefits of a normal, stable life.

平和な時代に当たり前を享受する。

Formal

"当たり前を強いる"

— To force one's own sense of 'common sense' onto others.

自分の当たり前を他人に強いてはいけない。

Social

"当たり前を磨く"

— To refine the basics to a high level of perfection.

基礎、つまり当たり前を磨くことが上達の近道だ。

Educational

Facile à confondre

当たり前 vs 当然

Both mean 'of course' or 'natural.'

Touzen focuses on 'cause and effect' or 'justice.' Atarimae focuses on 'human common sense' or 'routine.'

悪いことをすれば罰を受けるのは当然だ。 (Logic/Justice)

当たり前 vs 普通

Both can mean 'normal.'

Futsuu means 'most people do it.' Atarimae means 'it is the correct/expected way.'

普通の人はそんなこと言わない。 (Statistics)

当たり前 vs 自然

Both mean 'natural.'

Shizen refers to nature (trees, rivers) or an unforced feeling. Atarimae refers to social or logical expectations.

彼は自然な笑顔を見せた。 (Unforced/Genuine)

当たり前 vs 尤も

Both mean 'reasonable.'

Mottomo is used to validate someone's argument. Atarimae is a general statement of fact.

君の怒りは尤もだ。 (Your anger is justified.)

当たり前 vs 必然

Both mean 'inevitable.'

Hitsuzen is a philosophical or scientific inevitability. Atarimae is more everyday.

これは歴史の必然だ。 (Inexorable fate/history.)

Structures de phrases

[Noun] は当たり前です。

挨拶は当たり前です。

[Verb-Dictionary] のは当たり前だ。

勉強するのは当たり前だ。

当たり前の [Noun] を [Verb]。

当たり前のマナーを守る。

当たり前のように [Verb]。

当たり前のように嘘をつく。

[Clause] から、[Result] のは当たり前だ。

努力したから、勝つのは当たり前だ。

[Noun] を当たり前だと思わないで。

平和を当たり前だと思わないで。

当たり前という名の [Noun]。

当たり前という名の暴力。

当たり前を当たり前に [Verb]。

当たり前を当たり前にこなす。

Famille de mots

Noms

当たり前 (The obvious/standard)

Verbes

当たり前になる (To become natural/standard)

Adjectifs

当たり前な (Obvious/Natural - though often used with 'no')

Apparenté

当然 (Touzen - Naturally/Of course)

当然視 (Touzenshi - Taking for granted)

常識 (Joushiki - Common sense)

普通 (Futsuu - Normal)

日常 (Nichijou - Everyday life)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, media, and literature.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'Atarimae' to say 'You're welcome.' → Dou itashimashite / Mochiron desu.
Saying 'Atarimae' as 'you're welcome' sounds like you are saying 'It was my duty to help you,' which can be too heavy or weird in casual settings.
Saying 'Atarimae koto.' → Atarimae no koto.
You must use the particle 'no' to connect 'atarimae' to a noun because it functions like a noun-adjective.
Using 'Atarimae' for 'average.' → Futsuu.
If you want to say a movie was 'average/okay,' use 'futsuu.' 'Atarimae' would mean the movie followed the laws of physics or common sense.
Confusing 'Atarimae' with 'Shizen' (Nature). → Shizen na kankyou (Natural environment).
'Atarimae' is about logic and norms, not about forests, animals, or the environment.
Using 'Atarimae' in highly formal legal documents. → Touzen.
'Atarimae' is slightly too conversational for legal or academic papers; 'Touzen' is the preferred formal term.

Astuces

Nominalize First

Always remember to add 'no' or 'koto' after a verb before 'atarimae.' Saying 'Taberu wa atarimae' is a common mistake for beginners.

The Humble Response

When someone thanks you for something you feel was your duty, say 'Atarimae no koto o shita dake desu.' It's a very polite and natural way to be humble.

No vs Na

Use 'Atarimae no' for 90% of cases when modifying a noun. 'Atarimae na' is rare and usually restricted to specific literary descriptions.

Agreement

Use 'Atarimae da yo ne' to show you agree with someone's complaint about social manners. It builds a sense of shared values.

Professionalism

In a job interview, mentioning that you value 'doing the atarimae things consistently' shows reliability and discipline.

Tone Matters

Listen for the pitch. A falling intonation usually means a statement of fact, while a rising one often implies a question or a challenge.

Atarimae vs Touzen

If it involves human feelings or social rules, use 'Atarimae.' If it's a cold, hard fact or a logical proof, use 'Touzen.'

Kanji usage

Using the kanji 当たり前 looks slightly more mature and professional than hiragana あたりまえ.

Target Practice

Think of hitting a target (Atari) that is right in front (Mae) of you. It's so close, it's obvious you'll hit it!

Avoid Condescension

Be careful using 'Atarimae' when someone is explaining something new to you; it might sound like you're saying 'I already knew that, obviously.'

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Atari' (the game company that hit it big) and 'Mae' (meaning 'before'). It was a hit before you even started because it's so obvious!

Association visuelle

Imagine a person standing in front (mae) of a target they just hit (atari) dead center. It's only natural they hit it because they are a pro.

Word Web

Common Sense Natural Expected Standard Obvious Manners Logic Routine

Défi

Try to identify three things today that you consider 'Atarimae' and say them out loud in Japanese using the pattern '...wa atarimae desu.'

Origine du mot

The term is believed to have originated in the Edo period. It is likely a combination of 'Atari' (hit/success/share) and 'Mai' (each/every).

Sens originel : Originally, it referred to the 'proper share' or 'standard portion' given to someone. For example, a standard wage for a day's work was an 'atari-mai.'

Japanese (Yamato Kotoba roots with Kanji applied later).

Contexte culturel

Avoid using 'Atarimae deshou' in a sharp tone to superiors, as it can sound like you are calling them stupid for not knowing something obvious.

In English, we often say 'Of course' or 'Duh,' but 'Atarimae' is broader, covering moral duty and natural laws in a way English doesn't usually group together.

The song 'Atarimae no Koto' by various J-Pop artists focusing on daily gratitude. The comedy duo 'COWCOW' and their 'Atarimae Taisou' (Obvious Exercise) skit. Business books like 'Atarimae no koto o atarimae ni yaru' by various authors.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Expressing Gratitude

当たり前のことをしただけです。
感謝するのは当たり前だ。
当たり前だと思わないで。
当たり前の幸せに感謝する。

Logical Reasoning

そうなるのは当たり前だ。
原因があれば結果は当たり前。
当たり前の結論だ。
科学的に当たり前だ。

Social Manners

マナーを守るのは当たり前。
挨拶は当たり前でしょ。
当たり前のことができない。
当たり前の基準を下げるな。

Habits and Routines

それが当たり前になった。
当たり前のようにやる。
日常の当たり前。
当たり前を習慣にする。

Criticism and Debate

当たり前じゃないか！
そんなの当たり前だ。
当たり前を疑え。
君の当たり前は僕の特別だ。

Amorces de conversation

"「最近、当たり前だと思っていたことが変わったことはありますか？」 (Is there anything you thought was obvious that has changed recently?)"

"「日本に来て、当たり前だと思っていたことが通じなくて驚いたことは？」 (After coming to Japan, what surprised you that your 'common sense' didn't apply?)"

"「プロとして、当たり前にやるべきことは何だと思いますか？」 (As a professional, what do you think are the 'obvious' things you should do?)"

"「子供に教えるべき、一番の『当たり前』は何ですか？」 (What is the number one 'obvious' thing children should be taught?)"

"「当たり前の幸せって、具体的にどんなことだと思いますか？」 (What specifically do you think 'ordinary happiness' is?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日一日の中で、自分が「当たり前」だと思って感謝を忘れていたことを三つ書き出してみましょう。 (Write down three things you took for granted today and forgot to be thankful for.)

「当たり前のことを当たり前にやる」というのは、なぜ難しいのでしょうか？自分の経験を交えて書いてください。 (Why is it difficult to 'do the obvious things obviously'? Write about your experience.)

あなたの国と日本で、何が「当たり前」とされるか、その違いについて考察してください。 (Examine the differences between what is considered 'obvious' in your country versus Japan.)

将来、今の「当たり前」がどう変わっているか想像して書いてみましょう。 (Imagine how today's 'norms' will have changed in the future.)

「当たり前」という言葉を使って、短い物語を書いてください。 (Write a short story using the word 'atarimae'.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It can be if you use it to answer a simple question. Saying 'Atarimae da!' to a friend asking for a favor might sound like 'Duh, why ask?' instead of 'Sure!' Use 'Mochiron' for a friendlier tone.

Use 'Touzen' in formal writing, business reports, or when explaining a logical outcome that doesn't depend on social manners. For example, 'If you add 1 and 1, getting 2 is touzen.'

Yes, but usually 'Shizen' is better for the environment. You can use 'Atarimae' for natural consequences, like 'If you don't water plants, they die; that's atarimae.'

It means 'as if it were the most natural thing in the world.' It's often used to describe someone doing something difficult or strange with no hesitation.

You use 'Atarimae da to omou.' For example, 'Oya no yasashisa o atarimae da to omotte wa ikenai' (Don't take your parents' kindness for granted).

No, it is very frequently written in Hiragana (あたりまえ), especially in casual text or children's books. Both are correct.

It's a famous comedy skit where people perform exercises while singing about obvious things, like 'If you put your right foot forward and then your left, you're walking!'

Yes, it can be a noun meaning 'the obvious' or 'the norm.' Example: 'Atarimae o utagau' (Question the norm).

Joushiki is 'common sense' (the knowledge), while Atarimae is the 'obviousness' of the act or fact itself. They are related but used differently.

Technically yes, but 'Atarimae no' is much more common when modifying nouns. 'Atarimae na' is sometimes used for emphasis on the 'nature' of the thing.

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