Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Clear" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "clear", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
明白な
めいはくな (meihaku na)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
明鏡止水
めいきょうしすい (meikyoushisui)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "clear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 明白な and 明鏡止水.
In Japanese, 明白な (めいはくな (meihaku na)) is typically associated with "clear, obvious" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus..
On the other hand, 明鏡止水 (めいきょうしすい (meikyoushisui)) maps to "clear and serene mind" (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 "明白な"
これはとても明白なですね。
This is very clear, obvious, isn't it?
Bilingual Context for "明鏡止水"
私は明鏡止水に興味があります。
I am interested in clear and serene mind.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "これはとても ＿＿＿ ですね。" (Meaning: "This is very clear, obvious, isn't it?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "明白な" fits here because it means "clear, obvious" in the context of: "This is very clear, obvious, isn't it?". "明鏡止水" represents "clear and serene mind".