Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Clear" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "clear", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
明確な
めいかくな (meikaku na)
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 明確な and 歴然.
In Japanese, 明確な (めいかくな (meikaku na)) is typically associated with "clear, precise, definite" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 形容動詞.
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 "明確な"
彼の指示はいつも明確なので、迷うことがない。
His instructions are always clear, so I never get confused.
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: "彼の指示はいつも ＿＿＿ ので、迷うことがない。" (Meaning: "His instructions are always clear, so I never get confused.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "明確な" fits here because it means "clear, precise, definite" in the context of: "His instructions are always clear, so I never get confused.". "歴然" represents "clear, obvious, plain (e.g., difference, fact)".