当然 vs. 当たり前: Why Japanese Learners Make Mistakes?
What is the difference between “当たり前” and “当然“? Did you know how native speakers use “当たり前” and “当然” depending on the situations? After reading this, you would be able to answer about it. Let me introduce how you correctly use 当たり前 and 当然 today!
当然 (touzen)
Definitely / Of course / That’s totally obvious.
Basically both ”当たり前” and “当然” are used as the same meaning that is “Definitely, Of course, or That’s totally obvious.”, however, “当然” is a little bit formal than “当たり前” for us native Japanese speakers. Although “当然” is used as an adverb, a noun and an adjective, “当たり前” isn’t used as the adverb. So you would be able to say “当然、私は怒る。(I definitely get angry.)”, however, you wouldn’t be able to say “当たり前、私は怒る。” which is wrong. I’ve mentioned how to use “当たり前” below.



当たり前 (atarimae)
Naturally / Commonly / That’s obvious.
Again, basically “当たり前” and “当然” has been used as the same meaning. However, “当然” is used as a little bit formal and stronger and the usage of them is different. You would be able to say “当然、私は怒る。(I definitely get angry.)”, however, you wouldn’t be able to say “当たり前、私は怒る。” which is wrong. If you want to use 当たり前 in this case, you would say “私が怒るのは当たり前だ。”. And “当然、今日は僕のおごりだよ。(It’s only natural that I’ll treat you today.)” is correct, “当たり前、今日は僕のおごりだよ。” is wrong. Lastly, “当然だよ!(That’s totally obvious!)” sounds a little bit stronger than “当たり前だよ!(That’s obvious!)”.



Intermediate
Advanced

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