Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "晴れ", "はっきりした", "明白", "明瞭"
All represent the core concept "clear", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
晴れ
はれ (hare)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
はっきりした
はっきりした (hakkirishita)
N3 / 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 "晴れ", "はっきりした", "明白", "明瞭" based on context.
- 晴れ (はれ (hare) - Level: N5): Maps to "clear weather, fine weather" and is used when Refers to a state of clear sky without clouds or rain. Often used as 晴れの日.
- 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。.
- 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 "晴れ"
明日は晴れの予報です。
The forecast for tomorrow is clear weather.
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.
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: "明日は ＿＿＿ の予報です。" (Meaning: "The forecast for tomorrow is clear weather.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "晴れ" is correct here because it represents "clear weather, fine weather" in the context: "The forecast for tomorrow is clear weather.".