In 15 Seconds
- Use it to point out the elephant in the room.
- Works as a sentence starter or to describe obvious facts.
- A four-character idiom that makes you sound smart and logical.
Meaning
It's a way to say 'it's clear to see' or 'obviously' when the facts are staring everyone right in the face.
Key Examples
3 of 6Observing the weather
显而易见，今天要下雨了。
Obviously, it is going to rain today.
In a business meeting
显而易见，这个方案更省钱。
Clearly, this plan is more cost-effective.
Texting a friend about a crush
他喜欢你，这是显而易见的。
He likes you; that much is obvious.
Cultural Background
As a classic four-character idiom (Chengyu), it reflects the Chinese linguistic preference for balance and symmetry. While many idioms have ancient stories from the Warring States period, this one is valued for its directness and logical clarity in modern professional and academic settings.
The 'De' Rule
If you use it before a noun, remember to add `的`. For example: `显而易见的结果` (An obvious result).
Don't Overdo It
Using this too much in one conversation can make you sound like a prosecutor. Mix it up with `我也觉得` (I also think) to stay friendly.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to point out the elephant in the room.
- Works as a sentence starter or to describe obvious facts.
- A four-character idiom that makes you sound smart and logical.
What It Means
显而易见 is your go-to phrase for stating the obvious. Think of it as pointing at a giant elephant in the room. It combines 'showing' and 'easy to see' into one smooth flow. You use it when a conclusion requires zero detective work. It is the verbal equivalent of a shrug and a nod.
How To Use It
Place it at the start of your sentence to set the stage. You can follow it with 的 if you are describing a noun. For example, 显而易见的事实 means 'an obvious fact.' Most often, it acts as an introductory adverb. It works perfectly with ， right after it. It feels logical and grounded. It makes you sound like you have a sharp eye for reality.
When To Use It
Use it when the evidence is right there. In a meeting, use it to highlight a clear trend. With friends, use it when someone states something everyone already knows. It is great for texting when a friend asks a silly question. If it is raining and someone asks if they need an umbrella, say it. It adds a touch of intellectual weight to your observation.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it if you are trying to be humble or subtle. It can sound a bit 'know-it-all' if used too aggressively. Don't use it for deep, hidden emotions that aren't visible. If someone is hiding their sadness well, don't use this. Also, skip it in very high-stakes emotional arguments. It might come off as dismissive or condescending. Nobody likes being told the obvious when they are upset.
Cultural Background
This phrase is a 'Chengyu' or a four-character idiom. These are the building blocks of sophisticated Chinese speech. Using them shows you have moved past basic survival Chinese. It reflects a cultural appreciation for concise, rhythmic language. It suggests that truth is something we should all be able to perceive. It carries a sense of shared logic and common sense.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more casual, just say 很明显. If you want to sound even more formal, try 不言而喻. That one means 'it goes without saying.' 显而易见 sits right in the sweet spot between the two. You can also say 显见 in very brief, written reports. But for daily life, stick to the full four characters. It sounds more complete and satisfying to the ear.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral to slightly formal. It is highly versatile, fitting into both professional emails and casual debates. Avoid using it in a condescending way when the other person is genuinely confused.
The 'De' Rule
If you use it before a noun, remember to add `的`. For example: `显而易见的结果` (An obvious result).
Don't Overdo It
Using this too much in one conversation can make you sound like a prosecutor. Mix it up with `我也觉得` (I also think) to stay friendly.
Idiom Power
In China, using four-character idioms like this instantly boosts your 'perceived' fluency level by 20% in the eyes of locals!
Examples
6显而易见，今天要下雨了。
Obviously, it is going to rain today.
Used as a sentence starter to describe a clear physical situation.
显而易见，这个方案更省钱。
Clearly, this plan is more cost-effective.
Used to highlight a logical conclusion from data.
他喜欢你，这是显而易见的。
He likes you; that much is obvious.
Placed at the end of the sentence for emphasis.
显而易见，你已经一个月没打扫房间了。
Evidently, you haven't cleaned your room in a month.
Using a formal idiom for a mundane mess creates a funny contrast.
他们的关系出了问题，这是显而易见的事实。
Their relationship has issues; that is an obvious fact.
Used with 'fact' to sound more definitive and serious.
显而易见，对方球员的技术更好。
It's plain to see the opposing players have better skills.
Used to state an objective observation during a competition.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about a clear result.
他赢了比赛，___，他付出了很多努力。
Since he won the game, it is 'obvious' (显而易见) that he put in effort.
Which word makes this a descriptive phrase for 'an obvious mistake'?
这是一个___的错误。
You can use '显而易见' as an adjective to describe the noun 'mistake' (错误).
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Obviously'
Used with close friends
很明显 (Hěn míngxiǎn)
Good for most situations
显而易见 (Xiǎn'éryìjiàn)
Literary or academic
不言而喻 (Bùyán'éryù)
Where to use 显而易见
Office Meetings
Analyzing clear data trends
Daily Gossip
Confirming a social truth
Academic Writing
Stating a logical premise
Sarcastic Jokes
Pointing out a mess
Practice Bank
2 exercises他赢了比赛，___，他付出了很多努力。
Since he won the game, it is 'obvious' (显而易见) that he put in effort.
这是一个___的错误。
You can use '显而易见' as an adjective to describe the noun 'mistake' (错误).
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! While it is an idiom, it is very common in texts when you want to emphasize that something is super clear, like 显而易见，他忘了.
No, it describes facts, situations, or results. You wouldn't call a person 显而易见, but you could say their talent is 显而易见.
很明显 is more 'spoken' and casual. 显而易见 feels more structured and slightly more authoritative.
Usually, yes, but it can also follow a subject like 这个道理是显而易见的 (This logic is obvious).
It depends on your tone. If you are presenting facts, it's professional. If you are correcting them, it might sound a bit bold.
Yes, it is excellent for argumentative or descriptive writing to transition between points.
It's a soft second tone ér. It acts as a bridge between 'visible' and 'easy to see'.
Yes, 众所周知 (as everyone knows) or 不言而喻 (it goes without saying) are more high-level.
Usually, it implies visual or logical evidence. If it's just a rumor, this phrase isn't the best fit.
Forgetting that it's a set phrase. Don't try to change the characters or the order; it must stay as those four specific characters.
Related Phrases
很明显
Very obvious (casual)
不言而喻
Goes without saying (formal)
众所周知
As everyone knows
一目了然
Clear at a glance
