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
明確な
めいかくな (meikaku na)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "clear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 明らかな and 明確な.
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, 明確な (めいかくな (meikaku na)) maps to "clear, precise, definite" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 形容動詞. 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 "明確な"
彼の指示はいつも明確なので、迷うことがない。
His instructions are always clear, so I never get confused.
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.". "明確な" represents "clear, precise, definite".