Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Clear" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "clear", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
晴れる
はれる (hareru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
明白
めいはく (meihaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "clear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 晴れる and 明白.
In Japanese, 晴れる (はれる (hareru)) is typically associated with "to clear up (weather), to be sunny" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Refers to the weather becoming clear or sunny after being cloudy or rainy. Often used as 晴れます.
On the other hand, 明白 (めいはく (meihaku)) maps to "clear, obvious, plain, evident" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 物事や事実がはっきりと明らかで、疑う余地がないこと。誰が見ても疑う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 "晴れる"
明日は晴れるでしょう。
It will probably be sunny tomorrow.
Bilingual Context for "明白"
彼の無罪は明白だった。
His innocence was evident.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "明日は ＿＿＿ でしょう。" (Meaning: "It will probably be sunny tomorrow.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "晴れる" fits here because it means "to clear up (weather), to be sunny" in the context of: "It will probably be sunny tomorrow.". "明白" represents "clear, obvious, plain, evident".