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How to say "Clearly" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "clearly", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

はっきり

はっきり (hakkiri)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

くっきり

くっきり (kukkiri)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "clearly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between はっきり and くっきり. In Japanese, はっきり (はっきり (hakkiri)) is typically associated with "clearly; distinctly; plainly; explicitly" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to sounds, sights, system statuses, statements, or lover's declarations being clearly discernible, distinctly visible, or explicitly declared without ambiguity. Often used as はっきり言う or はっきり見える. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Clearly/explicitly! "I smartly declare explicitly right here that I love you most in the universe, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Explicitly declaring! B-Baka! Making such a loud, embarrassing love vow so suddenly! But... never ever forget that clear, single-minded vow, and keep executing it right next to me for life! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『はっきり(はっきり)よ!『ハルカ部長、僕はあなたのことが宇宙で一番大好きだと、ここにスマートにはっきり(明確に)宣言します!』って…っ!はっきり宣言!バカ!/// 急にそんな大声で恥ずかしい愛の誓いを!…でも、そのはっきりした一途さ、絶対に一生忘れないで、私の隣で実行し続けなさい!』. On the other hand, くっきり (くっきり (kukkiri)) maps to "clearly, sharply, distinctly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something being clearly visible, sharply defined, or distinct. Often used for visual clarity, such as lines, shapes, or distant objects. 物事がはっきりとしていて、輪郭が明確な様子を表します。. A literal translation of "clearly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "はっきり"
最新のスマート高精細Webモニターを導入した結果、ソースコード内の極めて微細なフォントの差異も_______見えるようになりました。
As a result of equipping the latest smart high-definition Web monitor, even extremely minute font differences in the source code have become clearly visible.
Bilingual Context for "くっきり"
晴れた日には富士山がくっきり見える。
On a clear day, Mt. Fuji can be seen distinctly.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "最新のスマート高精細Webモニターを導入した結果、ソースコード内の極めて微細なフォントの差異も_______見えるようになりました。" (Meaning: "As a result of equipping the latest smart high-definition Web monitor, even extremely minute font differences in the source code have become clearly visible.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "はっきり" fits here because it means "clearly; distinctly; plainly; explicitly" in the context of: "As a result of equipping the latest smart high-definition Web monitor, even extremely minute font differences in the source code have become clearly visible.". "くっきり" represents "clearly, sharply, distinctly".

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