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 晴れる and 明確.
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 "晴れる"
明日は晴れるでしょう。
It will probably be sunny tomorrow.
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 ＿＿＿ 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.". "明確" represents "clear, precise, definite".