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
歴然
れきぜん (rekizen)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "clear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 晴れ and 歴然.
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, 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 "晴れ"
明日は晴れの予報です。
The forecast for tomorrow is clear weather.
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: "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.". "歴然" represents "clear, obvious, plain (e.g., difference, fact)".