Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Clear" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "clear", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
明瞭
めいりょう (meiryou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
明白な
めいはくな (meihaku na)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "clear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 明瞭 and 明白な.
In Japanese, 明瞭 (めいりょう (meiryou)) is typically associated with "clear, distinct, plain, explicit" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something that is easy to understand, hear, or see because it lacks ambiguity or haziness. Often used as 明瞭な.
On the other hand, 明白な (めいはくな (meihaku na)) maps to "clear, obvious" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "clear" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "明瞭"
彼の説明は非常に明瞭で分かりやすかった。
His explanation was very clear and easy to understand.
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?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の説明は非常に ＿＿＿ で分かりやすかった。" (Meaning: "His explanation was very clear and easy to understand.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "明瞭" fits here because it means "clear, distinct, plain, explicit" in the context of: "His explanation was very clear and easy to understand.". "明白な" represents "clear, obvious".