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
詳らか
つまびらか (tsumabiraka)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "clear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 明白 and 詳らか.
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, 詳らか (つまびらか (tsumabiraka)) maps to "clear, detailed, precise, minute" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Used to describe something that is clear, explicit, and detailed. Often used with verbs like「にする」. 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 "詳らか"
彼は事件の経緯を詳らかに語った。
He explained the sequence of events in detail.
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.". "詳らか" represents "clear, detailed, precise, minute".