Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Clear" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "clear", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
歴然
れきぜん (rekizen)
N2 / 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 歴然 and 明白.
In Japanese, 歴然 (れきぜん (rekizen)) is typically associated with "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。.
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 "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.
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: "両者の実力差は ＿＿＿ としていた。" (Meaning: "The difference in skill between the two was obvious.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "歴然" fits here because it means "clear, obvious, plain (e.g., difference, fact)" in the context of: "The difference in skill between the two was obvious.". "明白" represents "clear, obvious, plain, evident".