Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "明確な", "はっきりした", "快晴", "明白", "明瞭"
All represent the core concept "clear", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
明確な
めいかくな (meikaku na)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
はっきりした
はっきりした (hakkirishita)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
快晴
かいせい (kaisei)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
明白
めいはく (meihaku)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
明瞭
めいりょう (meiryou)
N2 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "clear" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "明確な", "はっきりした", "快晴", "明白", "明瞭" based on context.
- 明確な (めいかくな (meikaku na) - Level: N3): Maps to "clear, precise, definite" and is used when 形容動詞.
- はっきりした (はっきりした (hakkirishita) - Level: N3): Maps to "clear, distinct, definite" and is used when Often used to describe something that is easy to understand, well-defined, or stated clearly. Can also be used for feelings or thoughts..
- 快晴 (かいせい (kaisei) - Level: N3): Maps to "clear weather, fine weather" and is used when Describes a day with clear skies, no clouds, and good visibility, typically implying pleasant weather conditions..
- 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 "明確な"
彼の指示はいつも明確なので、迷うことがない。
His instructions are always clear, so I never get confused.
Context for "はっきりした"
彼の説明はとてもはっきりしていたので、よく理解できました。
His explanation was very clear, so I understood it well.
Context for "快晴"
今日は快晴で、気持ちがいい。
It's clear weather today, and it feels good.
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: "彼の指示はいつも ＿＿＿ ので、迷うことがない。" (Meaning: "His instructions are always clear, so I never get confused.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "明確な" is correct here because it represents "clear, precise, definite" in the context: "His instructions are always clear, so I never get confused.".