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
明瞭
めいりょう (meiryou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "clear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 歴然 and 明瞭.
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, 明瞭 (めいりょう (meiryou)) maps to "clear, distinct, plain, explicit" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something that is easy to understand, hear, or see because it lacks ambiguity or haziness. Often used as 明瞭な. 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 "明瞭"
彼の説明は非常に明瞭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: "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.". "明瞭" represents "clear, distinct, plain, explicit".