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
歴然
れきぜん (rekizen)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "clear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 明確 and 歴然.
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, 歴然 (れきぜん (rekizen)) maps to "clear, obvious, plain (e.g., difference, fact)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 物事の状態や事実が非常に明白で、誰の目にもはっきりしているさまを表す。疑いの余地がないほど明らか。. 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 "歴然"
両者の実力差は歴然としていた。
The difference in skill between the two was obvious.
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.". "歴然" represents "clear, obvious, plain (e.g., difference, fact)".