1.
openly; publicly; in public
Doing something in a visible, unconcealed manner, without hiding it from others. Often used when the openness itself is noteworthy or surprising.
公然と批判する。
To openly criticize.
公然の秘密になっている。
It has become an open secret.
彼女は会議の場で公然と反対意見を述べた。
She openly stated her objection at the meeting.
Used both as an adverb (公然と) and as a な-adjective (公然の/公然な). Describes actions or situations that are visible to everyone, without concealment. Often implies that the openness is noteworthy — something that might be expected to be hidden is instead done in plain view.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 公然と批判する: to openly criticize
- 公然の秘密: an open secret
- 公然と反対する: to openly oppose
- 公然わいせつ: public indecency (legal term)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 堂々と: boldly, proudly — emphasizes confidence and dignity rather than mere visibility
- 公に: publicly, officially — more neutral, often used for official announcements