Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "明確な", "明確", "はっきりした", "歴然"
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
歴然
れきぜん (rekizen)
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", "歴然" 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..
- 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。.
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 "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.
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.".