Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Clear" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "clear", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
明らかな
あきらかな (akiraka na)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
明確
めいかく (meikaku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "clear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 明らかな and 明確.
In Japanese, 明らかな (あきらかな (akiraka na)) is typically associated with "clear, obvious, evident" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to describe something that is easy to see, understand, or prove..
On the other hand, 明確 (めいかく (meikaku)) maps to "clear, precise, definite" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 物事がはっきりしていて、あいまいさがない状態を表します。「明確にする」や「明確な目標」のように使われます。. A literal translation of "clear" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "明らかな"
彼の言葉には明らかな嘘があった。
There was a clear lie in his words.
Bilingual Context for "明確"
彼の説明はとても明確で分かりやすかった。
His explanation was very clear and easy to understand.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の言葉には ＿＿＿ 嘘があった。" (Meaning: "There was a clear lie in his words.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "明らかな" fits here because it means "clear, obvious, evident" in the context of: "There was a clear lie in his words.". "明確" represents "clear, precise, definite".