公然
こうぜん · kouzen · JLPT N1 · na-adj
openly
📢 公 (public) + 然 (that way) = done in public, out in the open
公 means public or common, and 然 marks a manner or state. Together they describe an action done in full public view, with nothing hidden.
公 — eight 八 + private 厶
Originally an ideograph showing 八 (to divide) over 厶 (private/self), depicting the act of splitting away from selfish interest. The combination came to mean 'public' or 'fair,' the opposite of private. It later extended to senses like 'duke,' 'lord,' and 'grandfather.'