Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "明確な", "明確", "はっきりした", "明白"
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
明確
めいかく (meikaku)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
はっきりした
はっきりした (hakkirishita)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
明白
めいはく (meihaku)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "clear" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "明確な", "明確", "はっきりした", "明白" 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.
- 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。.
- 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..
- 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。.
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 "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 "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 "明白"
彼の無罪は明白だった。
His innocence was evident.
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.".