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
歴然
れきぜん (rekizen)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "clear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 晴れる and 歴然.
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, 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 "晴れる"
明日は晴れるでしょう。
It will probably be sunny tomorrow.
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 ＿＿＿ 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.". "歴然" represents "clear, obvious, plain (e.g., difference, fact)".