Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 분명히 | bunmyeonghi | [punmjʌ̹ŋʝi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 뻔히 | ppeonhi |
In Korean, several words express the concept of being obvious, depending on whether you are emphasizing clarity, predictability or a well-known fact. Use 분명히 to indicate that something is certain, precise or clear. Use 명백히 to emphasize the undeniable clarity of a statement. Use 뻔히 when something is so predictable or blatant that it is almost annoying, particularly when describing seeing through someone's actions. You may also use the phrase 뻔한 얘기지만 when you want to highlight that you are discussing a well-known fact or something that is already obvious.
Which one should you use?
While both describe clarity, 분명히 focuses on the certainty and precision of a fact. In contrast, 뻔히 is used when something is so obvious that it is predictable, often used when someone is trying to hide something that is actually quite clear. 뻔히 is frequently paired with verbs related to seeing, knowing or sensing, such as 'knowing' (알다) or 'seeing' (보다), to express the sense of seeing right through something.
How do you pronounce it?
bunmyeonghi
Did you know?
- The word 분명히 contains the Hanja characters for 'divide' and 'bright'. This suggests that something is 'obviously' true because the distinction between truth and falsehood is as clear as a bright, divided line.
- In a professional setting, you should avoid 뻔히 because its nuance of 'predictability' can sound condescending. Stick to 분명히 to maintain a respectful and neutral tone when stating certainties.
- Using 뻔한 얘기지만 functions as a social lubricant in Korean conversation, signaling that the speaker knows they are stating the obvious and is trying to avoid sounding arrogant.
Examples in context
- 톰은 분명히 틀렸어.Tom is obviously wrong.This sentence demonstrates the use of 분명히 to indicate that someone is clearly wrong.Tatoeba #8367317 by Eunhee, translation #8367168 by CK
- 당연히 선생님이 옳습니다.Obviously, the teacher is correct.
- 물론이지! 재미있을 거라고 확신해!Obviously! I'm sure it will be fun!
- 그는 분명히 거짓말을 하고 있어요.geuneun bunmyeonghi geojinmareul hago isseoyo.He is obviously lying.
- 이 문제는 분명히 해결될 거예요.i munjaeneun bunmyeonghi haegyeoldoel geoyeyo.This problem will obviously be solved.
Example conversation
Hyun-woo and Seo-yeon are looking at a broken vase.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연 씨, 이게 어떻게 된 거예요?Seoyeon ssi, ige eotteoke doen geoyeyo?Seo-yeon, what happened here?
- 서연 Seo-yeon고양이가 분명히 밀어뜨렸어요.goyang-iga bunmyeonghi mireotteuryeosseoyo.The cat obviously knocked it over.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 그렇게 생각해요?jeongmal geureoke saenggak-haeyo?Do you really think so?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 바닥에 발자국이 있어요.ne, badage baljagugi isseoyo.Yes, there are paw prints on the floor.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “obviously” translations and entries 분명히, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 분명히, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
