Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Clear" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "clear", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
明白
めいはく (meihaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
玲瓏
れいろう (reirou)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "clear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 明白 and 玲瓏.
In Japanese, 明白 (めいはく (meihaku)) is typically associated with "clear, obvious, plain, evident" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 物事や事実がはっきりと明らかで、疑う余地がないこと。誰が見ても疑う余地がないほど明らか。.
On the other hand, 玲瓏 (れいろう (reirou)) maps to "clear and brilliant / tinkling" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "clear" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "明白"
彼の無罪は明白だった。
His innocence was evident.
Bilingual Context for "玲瓏"
私は玲瓏に興味があります。
I am interested in clear and brilliant / tinkling.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の無罪は ＿＿＿ だった。" (Meaning: "His innocence was evident.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "明白" fits here because it means "clear, obvious, plain, evident" in the context of: "His innocence was evident.". "玲瓏" represents "clear and brilliant / tinkling".