Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "明確", "歴然", "明白", "明瞭"
All represent the core concept "clear", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
明確
めいかく (meikaku)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
歴然
れきぜん (rekizen)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
明白
めいはく (meihaku)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
明瞭
めいりょう (meiryou)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "clear" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "明確", "歴然", "明白", "明瞭" based on context.
- 明確 (めいかく (meikaku) - Level: N3): Maps to "clear, precise, definite" and is used when 物事がはっきりしていて、あいまいさがない状態を表します。「明確にする」や「明確な目標」のように使われます。.
- 歴然 (れきぜん (rekizen) - Level: N2): Maps to "clear, obvious, plain (e.g., difference, fact)" and is used when 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。.
- 明白 (めいはく (meihaku) - Level: N2): Maps to "clear, obvious, plain, evident" and is used when 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。.
- 明瞭 (めいりょう (meiryou) - Level: N2): Maps to "clear, distinct, plain, explicit" and is used when Describes something that is easy to understand, hear, or see because it lacks ambiguity or haziness. Often used as 明瞭な.
Context for "明確"
彼の説明はとても明確で分かりやすかった。
His explanation was very clear and easy to understand.
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.
Context for "明白"
彼の無罪は明白だった。
His innocence was evident.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の説明はとても ＿＿＿ で分かりやすかった。" (Meaning: "His explanation was very clear and easy to understand.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "明確" is correct here because it represents "clear, precise, definite" in the context: "His explanation was very clear and easy to understand.".