Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Clear" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "clear", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
晴れ
はれ (hare)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
明確
めいかく (meikaku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "clear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 晴れ and 明確.
In Japanese, 晴れ (はれ (hare)) is typically associated with "clear weather, fine weather" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Refers to a state of clear sky without clouds or rain. Often used as 晴れの日.
On the other hand, 明確 (めいかく (meikaku)) maps to "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。. A literal translation of "clear" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "晴れ"
明日は晴れの予報です。
The forecast for tomorrow is clear weather.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "明日は ＿＿＿ の予報です。" (Meaning: "The forecast for tomorrow is clear weather.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "晴れ" fits here because it means "clear weather, fine weather" in the context of: "The forecast for tomorrow is clear weather.". "明確" represents "clear, precise, definite".