Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Clear" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "clear", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
明確
めいかく (meikaku)
N3 / 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 明確 and 明白な.
In Japanese, 明確 (めいかく (meikaku)) is typically associated with "clear, precise, definite" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 物事がはっきりしていて、あいまいさがない状態を表します。「明確にする」や「明確な目標」のように使われます。.
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 "明確"
彼の説明はとても明確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: "彼の説明はとても ＿＿＿ で分かりやすかった。" (Meaning: "His explanation was very clear and easy to understand.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "明確" fits here because it means "clear, precise, definite" in the context of: "His explanation was very clear and easy to understand.". "明白な" represents "clear, obvious".