Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Clear" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "clear", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
詳らか
つまびらか (tsumabiraka)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
明鏡止水
めいきょうしすい (meikyoushisui)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "clear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 詳らか and 明鏡止水.
In Japanese, 詳らか (つまびらか (tsumabiraka)) is typically associated with "clear, detailed, precise, minute" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Used to describe something that is clear, explicit, and detailed. Often used with verbs like「にする」.
On the other hand, 明鏡止水 (めいきょうしすい (meikyoushisui)) maps to "clear and serene mind" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "clear" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "詳らか"
彼は事件の経緯を詳らかに語った。
He explained the sequence of events in detail.
Bilingual Context for "明鏡止水"
私は明鏡止水に興味があります。
I am interested in clear and serene mind.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は事件の経緯を ＿＿＿ に語った。" (Meaning: "He explained the sequence of events in detail.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "詳らか" fits here because it means "clear, detailed, precise, minute" in the context of: "He explained the sequence of events in detail.". "明鏡止水" represents "clear and serene mind".