Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Clear" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "clear", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
明瞭な
めいりょうな (meiryōna)
N2 / 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 明瞭な and 明鏡止水.
In Japanese, 明瞭な (めいりょうな (meiryōna)) is typically associated with "clear, distinct, obvious" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes speech, writing, or thoughts that are easy to understand, or a situation that is unambiguous and definite..
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 "明瞭な"
彼の説明は常に明瞭でわかりやすい。
His explanation is always clear and easy to understand.
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: "彼の説明は常に明瞭でわかりやすい。" (Meaning: "His explanation is always clear and easy to understand.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "明瞭な" fits here because it means "clear, distinct, obvious" in the context of: "His explanation is always clear and easy to understand.". "明鏡止水" represents "clear and serene mind".